Table of Contents
There are two simple yet significant aspects to smiling. The first is that smiling contributes to the feel-good factor. The second is that smiling has a number of beneficial effects on the body. Yet how many patients refrain from smiling because they are not happy with the look of their smiles? Not liking one’s smile is not limited to adults alone. The findings of a UK child dental health survey has found that as many as 58 per cent of children as young as 12 admit to not liking the appearance of their smiles.
To improve smiles, a dentist in Buckinghamshire can suggest a number of treatments to address various smile-enhancing needs. These treatments can range from cosmetic dentistry (teeth whitening, porcelain veneers), to restorative dentistry (broken teeth, crowns) to dental implants.
Eight ways a smile is beneficial in creating a healthy mind and body
Most patients know all too well that smiling enhances the attractiveness and makes a person more approachable, but there is so much more to smiling than meets the eye. Consider the following ways that promote smiling as a great idea:
1. Natural mood enhancer
The simple act of smiling tricks the brain into ‘feel-good mode’, which in turn, encourages the brain’s production of endorphins – natural hormones that help lower stress.
2. Benefits the immune system
This benefit brings to mind that laughter is the best medicine. A key influence in the fight against infectious disease is white blood cells. The release of these disease-fighting blood cells is encouraged by smiling with an end result being a stronger immune system.
3. Improved productivity
Overall performance and creativity at work have been found to be positively affected by smiling.
4. Smiling is contagious
Smiling does not only benefit one in positive ways, but others too are influenced into feeling good. One smile triggers another, often without the other person being conscious of the behaviour.
5. Instant anti-aging effect
A smile can take years off one’s appearance. Facial muscles used when smiling helps to lift facial features, thereby promoting a more youthful look.
6. Builds trust
Trust is an important quality in leadership and longer-lasting trust is fostered by smiling. This is in contrast to the short-term effects created through intimidation.
7. Smiling is linked to success
A critical factor that contributes to success is confidence. Those who smile are more likely to receive a positive response from others they interact with professionally and in social situations.
8. Easier to maintain positivity
Smiling increases a person’s ability to remain positive. A positive mindset is critical in avoiding the harmful effects of stress, anxiety, and feelings of depression.
The above benefits are just some of the countless ways lives can be improved by smiling. Of course, the better one’s oral health is, the more one will want to smile. This is productive in another way. To keep their smile, a patient is also encouraged to practice oral hygiene habits such as visiting a dental practitioner regularly, to ensure there are no dental concerns to be worried about. Make that next check-up appointment at a reputable dental clinic today.