Can You Get Syphilis from Kissing Someone on the Mouth?
Medically reviewed by Linda Girgis | MD, Girgis Family Medicine on August 21st, 2026.
Yes, you can contract syphilis from kissing if your partner has an active syphilis sore on their mouth, lips, or tongue. Syphilis spreads through direct contact with syphilis sores, called chancres, which can appear anywhere on the body during the primary stage of infection. These painless sores are highly contagious and contain the bacteria Treponema pallidum. The CDC reports that syphilis cases increased by 32% between 2020-2021, making awareness of transmission routes crucial. While oral transmission is less common than genital contact, it's still a significant risk factor. If you suspect exposure, get tested immediately as early treatment with antibiotics is highly effective.
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