How Your Smile Affects Your Health…and Your Life!

Did you know that your smile might just be your superpower? It’s true… there is an abundance of scientific proof that your smile can affect your health in a variety of ways. Smiling more can improve your mental health, your relationships with others, your workplace performance, and possibly even help you live longer. That’s why it is so important to be diligent about taking care of your smile. Read on… we trust that the information below will give YOU something to smile about!

Smiling boosts your brain.

Research show that there are proven psychological benefits to smiling. Each smile activates the release of natural “feel good” agents including neuropeptides, dopamine, endorphins and serotonin. They work together to transmit messages to our brains that enable us to relax and feel happy.  So, instead of popping a pill for physical or mental pain, put on a smile. It’s the best and most natural defense against pain and depression. And, beyond the mental health benefits, smiling is also linked to reduction in stress levels, lower blood pressure, and a stronger immune system!

Smile your way to success.

Smiling people are considered more attractive, trustworthy, confident and competent. When you smile at your boss or coworker, you are forging a connection with them that can lead to better workplace camaraderie and performance. Studies show that customers respond better (and spend more $) when they exchange smiles with service workers. A confident, bright smile also helps form a positive first impression, which is critical during that first job interview or important client meeting.  So if you’re trying to climb the corporate ladder, you may want to do so one smile at a time.

A smile is your best accessory.

Turn that frown upside down if you want to find love! Studies show that we’re naturally attracted to smiling vs. not smiling people.  The popular dating website Match.com polled 5,000 men and women and found that a beautiful smile was named the top attractive quality they were seeking in a partner. Another study conducted by psychologists at Swansea University found that both male and female participants considered a nice smile to be a more attractive feature than one’s weight or appearance.  So SMILE! The key to looking your best isn’t necessarily found at the mall or in the cosmetics aisle, after all!

Smiling IS contagious!

Once again, science shows us that smiling people have the advantage over their pouty peers. Not only are we more naturally drawn to those who smile, but we simply can’t help but smile back at them! A Swedish study found that the part of our brains that is responsible for forming facial expressions unconsciously responds to another person’s smile by mimicking it. When participants in the study were presented with pictures of faces showing many different emotions, they found that the majority of subject studies automatically smiled back at the smiling pictures they were shown. So, the old song holds true… “When you’re smiling…” the whole world really may be smiling back at you!

Smile for a longer life.

We’ve already discussed some of the mental and physical benefits of smiling so we know that doing it more often can lower stress and improve the immune system. Researchers at Wayne State University took this a step further by using photos to study the smiles of a group of 230 baseball players.  They found that the players with the biggest smiles lived approximately seven years longer than their non-smiling teammates… incredible!

Dr. E wants all of her patients to live long and prosper. So SMILE… as the research above indicates, this just might be the key to achieving lifelong health, happiness, love and overall success! 

Ensure that your smile helps set the stage for your happiness and success! Schedule your appointment today with Dr. E Cosmetic & Family Dentistry: 480-494-2435.