As you already know, smiling is a universal language. Everyone does it and we all know what is means! Whether you are laughing at a funny joke or you’re showing excitement because your team won the big game, putting your pearly whites on display is a great way to demonstrate how you are feeling. As amazing as it is to be happy and laugh, smiling is also beneficial for your overall health! Continue reading to learn about the many benefits of smiling.
Relieves Stress
Smiling after you do something that makes you stressed can actually help you to recover faster than usual. This is because the muscles that are involved with the act of smiling send signals to the brain that you are in a situation that is safe. This influences your body’s natural response to stress. In the end, your heartrate reduces more quickly after a stressful experience or task than it normally would.
Increase in Confidence
Do you know the phrase, “fake it till you make it?” When you are showing off a smile, you appear to be more confident. Having this confidence, or the illusion of confidence, is something that can help you in many different areas of your life. Whether you are back on the dating scene, have a big job interview coming up, or just want to work your way up in your career, smiling more often is a great first step to help you reach success.
Makes You Happier
Even if you aren’t actually happy, when you smile, you can trick your brain into thinking you are. This is because the movement of the muscles that you use when you smile stimulates the same area in the brain that is stimulated when you are happy. Even if you are forcing a grin without much of a reason to, it can still improve your overall mood.
Improves Your Health
Both smiling and laughing have the potential to boost your immune system. Studies have shown that laughter increases the number of white blood cells in the body that are needed for fighting off infections and boosting your immunity.
Makes You Look More Youthful
Are you worried about laugh lines developing as you get older? You shouldn’t! The truth is that smiling actually makes people look younger than when they are displaying a neutral expression or a frown. Smiling more often helps to wind back the years.
If you aren’t impressed by your smile and don’t like to show it off, remember that there are all sorts of cosmetic dental treatments that can help you to feel more confident about your teeth. This way, you will be proud to display a beautiful, enhanced smile!
About the Author
Dr. Rob McVety earned his dental doctorate from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine and is passionate about continuing education in order to keep his knowledge and skill sharp. He is currently a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, American Academy of Implant Dentistry, and the Maine Dental Association. For more information or to schedule an appointment at his office in Falmouth, visit his website or call (207) 517-7008.