There’s the old adage that you should “appreciate the little things in life.” By learning to find joy in even the tiniest moments, you’ll have more reasons to show off your smile! In fact, smiling on a regular basis can greatly improve your life in a variety of ways, including better health, relationships, and mood. By properly taking care of your oral health, you’ll reap a number of other positive benefits that come with putting your pearly whites on display.
The first notable benefit to smiling more is less stress. When we’re bogged down with negative emotions like anger and annoyance, our body produces more of the stress hormone, cortisol. When produced consistently, cortisol puts our bodies at risk of developing health issues like diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. However, these problems can be combatted by something as simple as laughing or smiling.
When we smile, our bodies release endorphins. Endorphins are a feel-good chemical produced by the brain, which can serve as a natural pain and stress reliever. In addition to endorphins, smiling and laughing can improve your immune system, help regulate blood sugar, and lower blood pressure, which will lead to a longer, healthier life.
Another advantage to grinning more is better relationships with those around you. When you smile, people are more likely to feel at ease and comfortable in your presence. Smiling also makes you appear confident and in control, which is why people who smile are more often approached than those who don’t.
People who smile perform better at school and work, make friends more easily, and are generally perceived as being happy people. By coming across as pleasant and upbeat, you’re more likely to succeed in the various professional and personal aspects of your life.
Finally, smiling is the perfect excuse to show off the hard work you put into taking care of your dental health! Ensure that your smile is the best it can be by visiting your dentist at least once a year for a deep cleaning and dental exam. When you’re not in the dentist’s chair, continue brushing and flossing regularly in order to ensure the health of your teeth.
Still not comfortable with your smile because of your oral health? Talk to our dental team today about professional whitening options or to explore teeth whitening products available at your local retailer. By keeping your smile in pristine condition, you’ll enjoy the many advantages that come with smiling more, including less stress, lower risk of developing certain health issues, and better relationships.
Give our Long Beach general dentistry a call today at 562-434-6414 or request an appointment at your own convenience here.
