You’re already aware that there are good reasons to smile, especially when your teeth look nice. After all, doing so is obvious when you feel happy or want to put others at ease. However, did you know about the health-related benefits of smiling? It turns out that showing off your pearly whites is good for your body and mind! To learn more, here’s a summary of four ways that frequent smiling can make you healthier than ever.
It Boosts Confidence & Mood
When you share your beautiful smile with others, you’re likelier to seem cheerful, confident, and open to them. As people start seeing you that way, you’ll begin feeling the same way about yourself. As the saying goes, “fake it till you make it,” right?
Besides confidence, smiling can even make you happier. In a study led by scholar Paul Ekman, students who smiled naturally and those who did so on purpose had nearly-identical brain activity. These results convinced Ekman that smiling elevates happiness.
It Lets You Recover from Stress
A wide smile is also a great stress reliever, at least according to research from the University of California in Irvine.
The findings come from a study the college did on 170 people. In it, those who smiled after doing a stressful task experienced a faster reduction in their heart rate afterward. Plus, those who smiled also recorded a faster physiological recovery from stress.
These facts are rooted in biology. Apparently, the muscles involved in smiling send messages to the brain that signal ‘safety.’ These messages then influence the body’s natural responses to stress.
It Boosts Your Immune System
Smiles help to boost your immune system too. Specifically, researchers of Loma Linda University’s School of Medicine found that it increases the body’s white blood cells. Such cells fight infections and strengthen bodily immunity. In other words, you’re better protected from illness just by revealing your teeth!
It Can Reduce & Relieve Pain
Multiple studies show that smiling releases various painkillers in your brain. Working together, these brain chemicals can relax your body and reduce physical pain. Therefore, you could consider smiling a natural drug.
It seems smiling does more than just make you look better. Given the benefits above, it can transform your health for the better!
About the Practice
Dr. George A. Hoop is a dentist and periodontist in Fort Myers, FL. Since earning his DDS from Emory University’s School of Dentistry, he has practiced top-quality dentistry for over thirty years. He also studied at the Pikos Institute, the Dawson Academy, and the Pankey Institute during that time. Then and now, Dr. Hoop specializes in preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dental treatments. He currently practices at Total Dental Solutions and can be reached at his website or by phone at (239)-939-7299.