Your smile is often the first thing that people will notice about you—which is what leads to many people enhancing their pearly whites with cosmetic dentistry! But while it’s true that a dazzling smile will capture the attention of those around you, there are also several significant health benefits to smiling that go beyond whiter and brighter teeth. Keep reading below as your dentist explains four notable ones!
1. You’ll Look and Feel Younger
Smiling and laughing often can actually make you look and feel considerably younger, despite what you’ve maybe heard about the habits causing laugh lines, crow’s feet, and other types of facial wrinkles. Researchers from the Max Planck Institute in Berlin surveyed a group of participants who were shown pictures of smiling faces and compared their reactions to those who were presented with pictures of neutral expressions. The findings showed that participants generally felt that the smiling faces appeared younger-looking!
2. It Reduces Stress Levels
Did you know that smiling can significantly lower the amount of stress you’re feeling and improve your mood? This is because the muscle activity involved in smiling sends safety signals to your brain, which grants you a quicker physiological recovery from stress. Research also shows that smiling, even if it isn’t a natural reaction to something, can still stimulate the areas of your brain that are responsible for making you feel happy—so don’t hesitate to grin when the going gets tough!
3. It Fortifies Your Immune System
Your body’s immune system plays an integral role in protecting yourself from all sorts of nasty diseases—and believe it or not, smiling can bolster this level of protection! Research from the Loma Linda University School of Medicine shows that smiling can increase the presence of white blood cells in the body, which are responsible for fighting off bodily infections and other threats to your wellness.
4. It Boosts Your Confidence
There’s no doubt that smiling can manifest an aura of confidence that’ll allow you to navigate all sorts of social situations and professional settings with ease. Humans are social creatures, and we have the tendency to flock toward those who display confidence and a positive outlook; on the other hand, we try to steer clear of those who are perpetually sullen or angry. This enhanced self-esteem might even be the secret to landing that big promotion at work!
Your dentist can help you achieve the brightest and whitest smile possible; so if you’re unhappy with the state of your teeth, don’t wait to begin prioritizing your grin and enjoying all of these various health benefits.
About the Practice
The team at Healthy Smiles Dental Care is honored to serve the dental needs of patients and families in the Muskegon, MI community. Their practice offers a wide range of preventive, restorative, and cosmetic services that are certain to make your smile look and feel incredible! If you have any questions about the article or would like to arrange a visit for you or a loved one, you can contact the practice online or over the phone for further assistance: (231) 563-6878.