Your smile can say a lot about you—perhaps even more than you realize! Ongoing research has discovered a long list of benefits that come along with showing off your beautiful pearly whites. In fact, studies show that smiling can boost various aspects of your life even when you’re in a bad mood! Read on as Your Orlando Dentist explains seven surprising ways smiling influences your health, happiness, and quality of life.
1.) ENCOURAGES FEELINGS OF HAPPINESS
People often smile when they feel happy. However, studies indicate that the reverse is true as well! Smiling triggers the release of feel-good chemicals in your brain, like endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine, that naturally foster sensations of happiness and contentment.
2.) CAN IMPROVE A BAD MOOD
While the saying “fake it ‘till you make it” can’t be applied to every situation in life, it holds some truth when it comes to feeling happy. A recent study fr
om Scientific American demonstrated that simply mimicking the expression of a smile can elevate a person’s mood and increase positive thoughts, even when a person is feeling sad or upset.
3.) NATURALLY COMBATS STRESS
Smiling when you’re worried or anxious won’t just improve your psychological wellbeing—it can protect your heart health as well. In 2015, a study published in Psychological Science showed that smiling can lower a person’s heart rate and blood pressure in the midst of stressful situations. In the long run, this could potentially even reduce the risk of heart disease.
4.) HELPS KEEP YOU HEALTHY
Could laughter be the best medicine? Smiling and laughing release endorphins, which act as your body’s natural painkillers. Additionally, some studies have found that this also increases infection-fighting antibodies and molecules that combat illness.
5.) LOOK & FEEL MORE CONFIDENT
Another beneficial feeling that comes with boosting your mood with a smile is confidence. The combination of feeling less stressed and more content leads to feeling more confident in yourself. What’s more, when you flash that confident smile, others take notice. Research indicates that smiling can help you look more in control, capable, and approachable.
6.) CHANGE HOW OTHERS SEE YOU
Countless studies report that people who smile wider and more often consistently rate higher in terms of looking healthier, younger, more attractive, more capable, and more trustworthy. Whether you’re on a first date or asking for a promotion, a genuine smile can make all the difference.
7.) BOOSTS THE MOODS OF THOSE AROUND YOU
Humans tend to unconsciously mimic the facial expressions of others because it helps us better understand what other people are feeling and how to appropriately respond. That means not only is smiling contagious but so are the good feelings that come along with it. You can make someone’s day and improve their mood just by smiling at them.
You’ll find yourself smiling much more often when you have a set of pearly whites you can’t wait to show off. Call your Orlando dentist today to schedule your regular dental checkup to keep your smile happy and healthy!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
At Sand Lake Dental, Dr. Ziyad Maali is dedicated to helping the smiles of Orlando, FL attain optimal oral health and improve their quality of life. One of the main ways he does this is with thorough biannual dental checkups and cleanings. Every six months, he uses the latest dental technology and techniques to spot and stop oral health issues like cavities, gum disease, and dental infections as early as possible. To learn more about regular dental checkups, he can be contacted via his Website or at (407) 255-2391.
