Americans spend billions of dollars each year to feel better and improve their health. This includes $30 billion for supplements, $130 billion for exercise equipment, $10 billion for self-improvement products, and $16 billion for cosmetic surgery. While each of these may have significant benefits that accompany their price, there is also a cost-free and scientifically proven habit with comparable results. Continue reading to learn why smiling is good for you.
The oral health care professionals at Trident Dental are enthusiastic about helping you achieve the smile you want. Call today and schedule an appointment and learn how we can help enhance your smile.
Reasons People Do Not Smile
Psychologists have identified several reasons people do not smile. These include:
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Personality. Some people are not prone to smiling because they are shy or insecure.
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Family. You are less likely to smile if you were raised in a family that rarely smiled.
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Phones. Many people stay distracted and preoccupied with their smartphones. One study showed this to decrease smiling.
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Teeth and gums. Poor oral health has been shown to affect smiling in children as young as four.
Despite the many reasons people give for not smiling, there are many reasons that smiling is good for you.
7 Benefits To Smiling
Some smiling occurs spontaneously in response to a person or happening that brings us joy. However, you can also make a choice to smile anytime. You can even make smiling a habit that you perform regularly. Below are seven ways you can benefit from regular smiling.
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Smiling reduces stress. Most of us do not feel like smiling when under stress. However, researchers found that even forcing yourself to smile can reduce stress.
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Smiling boosts your immune system. Smiling causes your brain to release powerful chemicals such as dopamine. Dopamine activates your immune system to produce antibodies and other cells that help fight illness.
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Smiling reduces pain. Smiling also leads to a rise in your blood level of endorphins. These hormones function as a mild pain reliever and improve your sense of well-being.
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Smiling helps fight depression. When you smile, your brain releases serotonin which acts like an anti-depressant and has other benefits such as enhanced memory, improved learning ability, and better sleep.
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Smiling may reduce blood pressure. You can trick your brain into thinking you are happy. This forces a smile that may help lower your blood pressure.
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Smiling is viewed as important by most people. It is hard to find Americans agreeing on what is truly important in life. Is it money, fame, friends, family, or cheering for the winning team? However, a survey by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry found that 99.7 of Americans believe that a smile is an important social asset.
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Smiling may help you live longer. A compelling reason for everyone to smile is that you might improve your health for a longer and happier life. For example, smiling was linked to longevity in one study that compared the facial expressions of players on old baseball cards. The players with a big smile in their photos lived more than seven years longer than those not smiling!
Schedule Appointment
Trident Dental offers cosmetic dental services such as teeth whitening, dental veneers, invisible braces, Botox, and dermal fillers to help you have a bright and healthy smile. Contact us today.