Why Your Smile Matters More Than You Think

SMILING IS A WONDERFUL THING, and there are so many things that can get us beaming. Maybe it’s a reconnection with a long-lost friend, or recalling a funny moment that pops into your head. But if you ask us, we think one of the greatest reasons for showing your pearly whites is that it's actually beneficial to your health!

Smiling and the Happiness Hormone 
It’s no accident that a rush of happy feelings is often accompanied by a smile - it’s your brain releasing endorphins. These natural hormones make an appearance after a good workout or anything else that puts us in a good mood. Endorphins also reduce sensations or pain and can produce an almost euphoric state. The best part is that the human brain can be tricked into giving off these hormones with something as simple as a fake smile.
 
Smiling and Stress Relief 
When we’re anxious, our heartbeats tend to kick into high-gear and blood pressure can climb. Luckily, smiling can help with those issues! According to a 2012 study, groups were asked to complete a highly stressful task. One did so with a pencil clenched between their teeth, which meant they had to smile the whole time, and the other held the pencil with just their lips, resulting in a neutral expression. When all was said and done, the group of smiling participants were back down to their resting heart rates sooner than their straight-faced competition!
 
Smiling and Immune System Strength 
Stress seems to leave no part of our bodies or minds unaffected, and our immune systems are no exception. Unchecked stress can leave the walls of our cells too rigid, making them increasingly vulnerable to health threats such as pathogens due to a slowed immune response. What role does smiling play in all of this? It helps to eradicate this stress in the first place, before it can cause any damage! Chances of getting cancer can be reduced and you can even add years onto your life. So go ahead - get those laughter lines... they're good for you!
 
Bonus: Smiling and Productivity 
It’s simple - when we’re happy, there’s a much better chance that we’re going to get things done. So, if you’re having a rough day at work, remember to take a step back and put a smile on your face, even if you have to fake it. You never know, maybe you’ll inspire your coworkers to catch the smile bug as well!
 
Let Us Give You More Reasons to Smile
Now that you know all the benefits smiling has to offer, make sure you have healthy teeth to match the confidence that comes with a beautiful smile. Brushing and flossing habits are a great start, but don’t forget to visit your dentist to keep the rest of your oral health in check and keep that grin going for a lifetime!
 
If you avoid smiling because you don't like the look of your teeth, ask us about some of our cosmetic dentistry options or learn more at: http://www.happy-dentistry.com/cosmetic-dentistry.

​We love seeing your smiles!