Between new workout regimens, vitamin supplements, juice cleanses, and new diets, it seems like everyone is on a mission to be their healthiest self. But did you know that your pearly whites can help you get there? Decades of research have found that flashing your beautiful smile can boost your first impression, begin a ripple effect of positivity, and even make you look younger. However, subsequent research has found that it can promote your overall health as well. Keep reading for four surprising benefits of smiling from a cosmetic dentist!
#1. Smiling Reduces Stress
When a deadline is rapidly approaching or you are racing against the clock to get somewhere, stress is often one of the first emotions that arise. However, recent research conducted by two psychological scientists at the University of Kansas found that smiling can reduce your levels of stress! In fact, even if the smile wasn’t genuine, Tara Kraft and Sarah Pressman found that smiling during brief periods of stress reduced the body’s stress response. Therefore, the phrase “grin and bear it” holds some merit!
#2. Smiling Releases Endorphins
Endorphins are a group of hormones your body produces to trigger feelings of positivity and diminish pain. While this powerful chemical is known for being released during exercise, patients can experience the same encouraging benefits by simply smiling! When your lips turn upward and your teeth make an appearance, your brain recognizes these changes and releases endorphins naturally. So, smiling can act as a natural pain reliever and mood booster!
#3. Smiling Can Add 7 Years to Your Life
You read that right! According to researchers at Wayne State University, smiling can boost your mood while simultaneously lengthening your lifespan. While the biology behind this finding is still being researched, many experts believe that lower levels of cortisol, increased endorphins, and normalized blood pressure are just a few of the ways smiling adds an average of seven years to your life.
#4. Smiling Can Boost Your Immune System
Now more than ever, it is important to prioritize your immune system. By exercising regularly, drinking plenty of water, and eating a vitamin-rich diet, you can ensure that your body is well equipped to fight off colds and viruses that can wreak havoc on your body. Plus, smiling along the way can help as well! When you smile, your body naturally relaxes, which allows your immune system to function optimally. So, the next time you smile or laugh, know that your body is thanking you for it!
When it comes to smiling, many focus first on the aesthetic benefits. However, now you have four additional reasons to confidently flash your pearly whites!
About the Practice
At NeoSmile Dental Care, convenient hours, a comprehensive array of services, and a friendly team of professionals come together for one truly exceptional dental experience. With their talented staff at their side, Dr. Amy E. Farrell and Dr. Krunal Patel use their years of hands-on experience, advanced training, and genuine care for their patients of all ages to deliver healthy, beautiful smiles. If you are overdue for your bi-yearly visit, are looking to upgrade your smile, or need restorative treatment, don’t hesitate to visit their website or give them a call at 215-643-5220.
