Kissing a deceased person on the lips is significantly riskier than kissing them on the forehead because the mouth is one of the most biologically active parts of the body. It harbors a higher concentration of bacteria, viruses, and bodily fluids, which can remain present even after death. The moist environment of the lips and oral cavity creates a direct pathway for pathogens to enter the body, especially if the living person has open sores, bleeding gums, or a weakened immune system.

After death, infectious diseases that affected the respiratory tract, mouth, or bloodstream may still be viable for hours or even days. Illnesses such as tuberculosis, influenza, COVID-19, hepatitis B and C, or herpes simplex virus can remain present in saliva, mucus, or trace amounts of blood. Direct lip-to-lip contact increases the chance of these organisms transferring into your system, making this far riskier than forehead contact, which involves relatively dry, intact skin.

In the hours following death, the body’s muscles relax, sometimes releasing fluids from the mouth and nose. These fluids can carry bacteria, viruses, or toxins. If your lips make contact with these substances, they can enter your system through micro-abrasions or mucous membranes. Even without visible leakage, microscopic amounts of fluid can still pose a risk.

Decomposition begins soon after death, and the oral cavity is one of the first areas affected. Anaerobic bacteria multiply rapidly inside the mouth, producing unpleasant odors and potentially harmful gases. In warm or humid environments, this process accelerates, increasing the risk of exposure to harmful microbial activity during close contact.

If the body has been embalmed, there’s another hazard—chemical exposure. Embalming fluids, such as formaldehyde, can remain on or near the lips. Contact with these chemicals can cause irritation, allergic reactions, or even chemical burns to sensitive lip tissue. This adds a non-biological layer of risk on top of potential pathogen exposure.

For those wishing to say goodbye in a meaningful way, there are safer alternatives. You can speak final words while standing close, touch the hands, shoulder, or hair, or place a personal item or flower near the body. These gestures allow for a heartfelt farewell without risking contact with areas that pose higher biological or chemical dangers. In moments of grief, safety often isn’t the first thought—but knowing the risks can help you choose an equally loving, but safer, way to say goodbye.