5 Ways a Healthy Smile Will Improve Your Life
Most of us know a couple of benefits of having a beautiful smile and healthy teeth. But there are several other great reasons why smiling and good oral health can improve your life. Dental care is sure to give you a confidence boost whether you are looking to improve your social or professional life or enhance your overall health. We have compiled 5 science-backed reasons to inspire you to take care of and invest in your smile.
Smiling elevates your mood and creates a sense of well-being.
As behavioral psychologist, Sarah Stevenson writes, “Each time you smile, you throw a little feel-good party in your brain.” The notorious party animals, dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin, start whooping it up when you smile. These “feel good” natural chemicals in your body improve your mood, make you feel happier and lower your stress levels. As an added bonus, they serve as natural pain relievers. Here is one more interesting fact about smiling by Ron Gutman, the author of Smile: The Astonishing Powers of a Simple Act, “British researchers found that one smile can generate the same level of brain stimulation as up to 2,000 bars of chocolate.” Where do I sign up for the next experiment? And what happened to the person who ate 2,000 bars of chocolate?
Smiling improves your confidence and creativity.
If your teeth are straight, healthy, and white, you are naturally more comfortable socializing with others. You are also more confident because you know that you have an attractive smile. Those who have poor oral health and crooked teeth, on the other hand, tend to be self-conscious and embarrassed to mingle for fear of being judged because of how their teeth look. Confidence is essential – especially when making first impressions or during other high-pressure situations. But a smile is a secret weapon everybody can use at all times to induce feelings of confidence. Smiles send the message that you are competent and relaxed, which are both great qualities to demonstrate. One more fantastic benefit of smiling is the natural boost in creativity. Smiling boosts happiness, and happiness is associated with greater problem solving and higher levels of creativity! So what are you waiting for? Take care of your teeth, smile more, and unlock your inner Michelangelo!
Smiling makes you more attractive and look younger.
Most people gravitate towards people who appear happy and sociable. You’re probably the same way. When you smile, people are naturally drawn to you, and it makes you more likable. That will help you form and maintain relationships with others in both your personal and professional life. Studies indicate that people who regularly display positive emotions are more likely to have stable marriages and interpersonal relationships. In addition, researchers at UMKC recently discovered that smiling makes you look thinner and younger. Even if there were no other benefits to smiling, I’m sure many of us would be grateful for this one. In a recent study by a young psychology student at UMKC, sad faces randomized and flashed on a computer screen were judged to be heftier. This is a surprising conclusion – perhaps a mouth turned down in a frown might give the impression that a person is weighed down by unhappiness. In another study, UMKC researchers tested the theory that smiling causes others to perceive you as being younger than you actually are. Sure enough, in a small study, college students perceived older people who had happy smiles on their faces as looking more youthful than their age. The people with frowns on their faces were categorized as looking older. Forget getting a facelift or Botox injections – investing in your teeth is a more sustainable anti-aging solution. Just share your smile!
Smiling and laughing boost your immune system and lowers blood pressure.
A study conducted by the Mayo Clinic found that positive thoughts and laughter help your brain fight off illnesses and diseases. On the other hand, negative thoughts were found to lower your immunity. It turns out there’s a lot of truth to the old saying, “laughter is the best medicine.” The health benefits of smiling and laughing don’t stop with your immune system. They also lower your blood pressure. After laughing, blood vessels dilate due to the increased amount of oxygen being taken in during the deep breathing that occurs during laughter, resulting in the body’s blood pressure decreasing!
Good oral health improves your overall health.
Poor oral hygiene and crooked teeth might have led to you seeking the dentist and orthodontist to restore your smile, but you’ll need to start taking proper care of your mouth if you plan to keep your new smile in tip-top shape. Making your oral hygiene a priority isn’t just right for your teeth, it’s also good for your overall health. Many oral health issues have been linked to severe health issues like diabetes and strokes. When you take proper care of your mouth, you reduce the odds of ending up with one of these diseases. Now there is an easy way to live longer and healthier!
If you have questions about the benefits of Invisalign treatment, please call Visage Orthodontics at 505-670-6145 or visit our appointment page to schedule a complimentary consultation with me, Dr. Tanner, your Santa Fe Invisalign specialist. I will review everything in detail and develop a customized treatment plan to fit your lifestyle and budget.
A confident and beautiful smile is right around the corner!
