Smiling is an easy indicator to know when someone is happy. But did you know that it has health benefits, too? Here are five amazing ways your gorgeous grin can make you feel better, especially after you’ve improved it with the help of cosmetic dentistry!
It Lowers Your Blood Pressure
Do you suffer from high blood pressure? Studies have shown that laughter causes muscle relaxation and can lower your blood pressure following an initial increase in heart rate, oxygen consumption and breathing. In fact, one particular study found that laughter therapy may even help reduce a person’s need for heart medication!
It Boosts Your Immune System
With cold and flu season right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about boosting your immune system. Research has shown that when you smile, you relax, making your immune function improve by activating the parasympathetic nervous system that regulates the release of antibodies and gut hormones. These mediate your immune response, making it more effective.
It Reduces Pain
When you smile, your body releases endorphins and serotonin, both of which are natural painkillers. While it may be difficult to grin and bear it when you’re hurting, the next time you’re aching, try putting on a happy face and see if it helps!
It Keeps Makes You More Attractive
A smile is seen as more attractive and welcoming than a neutral or frowning face, and when you smile the muscles you use lift the face, making you look younger, too! This can make it easier to succeed in the dating world, but it can also help in a variety of social situations including job interviews, sales, and public speaking engagements, too.
It Improves Your Mood
Studies have shown that by physically smiling, you are activating the pathways in your brain that influence your emotional state. This means that even if you don’t necessarily feel happy, you can trick your brain into believing you are, creating a self-fulfilling prophecy of sorts.
This is because when you smile, you release neuropeptides including prolactin, vasopressin, and oxytocin, all of which improve neural communication. As mentioned above, it also releases dopamine and serotonin, which reduce anxiety and boosts your mood.
Get Grinning!
Now that you know a few of the amazing benefits of smiling, it’s time to get yours in shape to show off. Whether you’d like to change the shade with professional whitening, the shape, size and color with porcelain veneers, or get rid of excess tissue with gum recontouring, your dentist offers a variety of cosmetic dentistry treatments that will give you that gleaming grin you desire!
To learn more about your cosmetic dentistry options, schedule a consultation with your dentist today and start enjoying all the amazing benefits of a healthy, happy smile!
About Dr. Hayes
A proud Portage native, Dr. Danny Hayes graduated from Marian University in Indianapolis and earned his dental doctorate at Temple University School of Dentistry in Philadelphia. Today, Dr. Hayes is passionate about continuing his education, having studied a wide variety of topics such as porcelain veneers, laser dentistry, advanced bone grafting, dental implant placement and restoration, oral conscious sedation, and more. To schedule a consultation at Advanced Dental Concepts, visit our website or call us at 219-763-6878.