The Hidden Power Of Smiling And How It Affects Health
If missing, crooked, or discolored teeth have you hiding your smile away, it’s time to make a change. Cosmetic dental work isn’t an issue of vanity—experts have demonstrated that smiling has direct health effects that may surprise you. Let’s look at just a few.
A Beautiful Smile Improves Mood and Lowers Stress Levels
Just the act of smiling can trick your brain into believing you are genuinely happy. The brain responds to smiling by releasing feel-good hormones such as serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins. These hormones lower stress levels and improve mood, which can have a massive impact on your health. Stress is linked to all sorts of health issues such as decreased immune function, poor insulin regulation, and weight gain.
Smiling Makes You More Approachable
Smiling also makes you look more friendly and approachable, which makes it easier to make friends and build social connections. Research has shown that a strong support network can reduce your risk of depression, lower stress levels, and foster healthy lifestyle habits, such as eating healthy and getting enough sleep. All the above can cause a domino effect for your overall health—and it all starts with a smile.
A Bright Smile Can Help Your Career
The benefits of smiling don’t stop at just feeling better either. When you’re less stressed, focusing on your work is easier, which often leads to better productivity. Improving your smile can also give you a more confident and commanding presence around customers and clients. Both points can lead to more career opportunities, whether that be in the form of a promotion or a new job.
Smiling Bolsters Immune System Function
Serotonin, one of the hormones released when you smile, stimulates the production of white blood cells that fight infection while regulating the release of cytokines, the chemical messengers of your immune system. Because smiling can reduce stress, it also indirectly increases antibody production. Antibodies are cells that heal the body and fight off infections, preventing germs from taking root and blooming into a full infection. Antibodies also aid in recovery after an injury.
Self-Conscious About Your Smile? Contact Ashburn Dental Care Today
At the top-rated dental clinic in Ashburn VA – Ashburn Dental Care, we have experience in a wide variety of cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening techniques and have an in-house membership plan. If you’re ready to improve your smile, contact our Ashburn, VA office today by calling (703) 936-9244, or email us at frontdesk@ashburndentalcare.com.