When you’re walking down the street, your smile is often the very first feature that strangers will notice—which is part of why there’s been a recent surge in the popularity of cosmetic dentistry! But while it’s true that a bright and white smile will capture the gaze of those around you, did you know that smiling also unlocks several notable health benefits that contribute toward your overall wellness? Here’s more from your dentist about four of these unique advantages.
#1. You’ll Look More Youthful
Maybe you’ve heard that smiling or laughing frequently can alter your face by causing issues like laugh lines, crow’s feet, or other types of facial wrinkles. However, this simply isn’t true; researchers from the Max Planck Institute surveyed a group of participants and found that those who were shown pictures of happy expressions often thought the people pictured were younger than those pictured with neutral expressions. Not to mention, a bright and white smile is often associated with youth; so don’t hesitate to smile often and wind back the years!
#2. It Improves Your Mood & Reduces Stress
When the going gets tough and you’re feeling stressed or down in the dumps, you shouldn’t hesitate to try to make yourself smile! The muscle activity involved in smiling sends signals to your brain that indicate safety, which helps you recover from stress more quickly. Research also shows that smiling, even when it’s not a natural reaction to something, can still stimulate the areas of your brain that are responsible for improving your mood.
#3. It Boosts Your Immune System
The Loma Linda University School of Medicine’s Department of Clinical Immunology found that smiling and laughing actually increases the number of white blood cells present in the body. These cells are responsible for fighting off infections that threaten your wellness and boosting your overall level of immunity; it turns out there is actually a semblance of truth to the expression “laughter is the best medicine!”
#4. It Enhances Your Self-Esteem
It’s well-known that smiling can project an aura of confidence that allows you to successfully navigate social situations and professional settings. After all, humans are arguably the most social creatures on the entire planet—and we tend to gravitate toward those who display positivity and confidence. Conversely, we reasonably avoid those who appear perpetually sullen or angry. That said, you shouldn’t hesitate to confidently smile and let your pearly whites work their magic!
If you’re unhappy with the state of your smile for any reason, you shouldn’t hesitate to contact your dentist to inquire about possible treatment plans; your smile is far too valuable to neglect, especially considering all of these awesome advantages that smiling can grant you access to!
About the Author
Dr. Lauri Barge received her DDS from the Texas A&M College of Dentistry and has proudly served patients and families in the Flower Mound, TX community for several years! Dr. Barge has spent years honing and perfecting her craft so that your smile can look and feel great! Her practice is pleased to offer a wide range of services including preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatment options. If you have any questions about the blog or would like to schedule a visit for you or a loved one, feel free to contact Dr. Barge through her practice’s website or by phone for assistance: (972) 539-3800.