Did you know that the first thing people tend to notice about you is your smile? Your pearly whites are constantly on display to the world, but smiling isn’t just all for show—there are actually several awesome health benefits that accompany the habit! Here’s more from your cosmetic dentist in Ponte Vedra Beach about the benefits of smiling and why you shouldn’t hesitate to do it as often as possible!
1. It Helps You Look Younger
You’ve maybe heard that smiling and laughing too often can create wrinkles or crow’s feet in your face, making you look older—but this is not true! Research has actually found that not smiling is what causes a person to appear older. In fact, a study from Berlin’s Max Planck Institute found that participants who viewed pictures of happy, smiling faces compared to faces with neutral expressions thought that the people smiling appeared the youngest looking. This means that smiling often can turn back the clock and take some years off of your face!
2. It Fortifies Your Immune System
Smiling won’t just make you look great; it’ll make your body feel great, too! Research from the Loma Linda University School of Medicine found that smiling and laughing often actually increased the number of white blood cells in the body, which is critical for fighting off infections and boosting the immune system.
3. It Reduces Your Stress Levels
Research also shows that smiling often can reduce the amount of stress your body is experiencing. A recent study found that people who smiled after doing a particularly stressful task experienced a much faster reduction in their heart rate afterwards. Additionally, those who smiled also recorded a faster physiological recovery from stress. This is because the muscle activity involved with smiling sends signals to the brain that indicate “safety.”
4. It Boosts Your Self-Confidence
Of course, one of the most obvious benefits of smiling is the awesome boost it can provide for your self-confidence. It goes without saying that we’re naturally drawn towards people who project a friendly, pleasant, and personable outlook. Conversely, we tend to stay away from people who seem sullen, angry, or withdrawn. By smiling, you’re creating a more positive and confident image of yourself that may help you to navigate social situations or succeed in the professional world; you’ll feel great about how you’re projecting yourself!
If you’re unsure about how to maximize your smile’s potential, don’t hesitate to speak with your dentist about viable options for smile enhancement—there are several cosmetic treatments that can make your smile noticeably healthier and brighter.
About the Practice
Ponte Vedra Complete Dentistry serves the dental needs of the Ponte Vedra Beach area under the leadership of Dr. Kristopher Harth and Dr. Eric Townsend. Their practice is thrilled to offer a wide range of services including several preventive, restorative, and cosmetic options. If you have any questions about the article or would like to arrange a visit, you can contact the practice through their website or by phone for assistance: (904) 285-7711.