6 Reasons to Smile More Often

Categories: General Dentistry

smile more oftenSANTA CRUZ, SCOTTS VALLEY CA

According to a recent study, more than three out of every four respondents said that a smile is the most important physical trait they evaluate when making a first impression of someone. People that smile more are prone to success, both personally and in the workplace. But did you know smiling is also beneficial for your health? Let’s look at six health-related reasons to smile more, as compiled by your Los Gatos family dentist at Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry.

Reason 1: Smiling lowers stress

Darwin’s Facial Feedback Response Theory stipulates that certain facial expressions can trigger the corresponding emotions. In other words, just deciding to smile can elevate your mood–even if the smile is not genuine. So, try smiling the next time you are feeling down or stressed. It can help!

Reason 2: Smiling improves your ability to fight off disease

Past research shows that our emotions and immune systems are linked. Times of anxiety and stress can have a negative impact on your physical health. On the other hand, maintaining low stress levels increases relaxation and helps your immune system function more effectively.

Reason 3: Smiling increases your productivity

When you smile, you get more things done. In a study performed by the Warwick Business School, participants were shown a 10-minute comedy film, then given a series of tasks to perform. The participants who reported a higher level of happiness from the film proved to be 12% more productive in completing the subsequent tasks.

Reason 4: Smiling improves blood pressure

Smiling and laughing are known to decrease heart and respiratory rates. which in turn helps to lower blood pressure. Having a regulated blood pressure reduces your risk of cardiovascular disease, including stroke.

Reason 5: Smiling can help manage pain

The American Psychological Association conducted a study examining the impact of smiling on pain tolerance. Scientists divided the study participants into groups and administered a vaccine-like injection, then assigned participants an array of expressions to maintain during that process. Participants that were assigned the Duchenne smile and grimace reported nearly 40% less pain than those individuals who were given more neutral facial expressions. Smiling can affect your perception of pain, and improve your body’s ability to respond to the pain level that is perceived.

Reason 6: Smiling can lengthen your life

A 2009 study published in Psychological Science looked at the photographed demeanor of baseball players, based on the intensity of their smile in their baseball cards. Participants were placed in one of three categories: no smile,partial smile and full smile. As it turns out, players with full smiles in their card images lived, on average, seven years longer than those baseball players with neutral or non-smiling expressions.

Comprehensive Dental Care in Los Gatos, Scotts Valley, and Santa Cruz in California

As you can see, there are plenty of reasons for you to smile often in your daily life. However, many people are hesitant to show off their smile because of a perceived aesthetic flaw. Thanks to modern cosmetic dentistry, you can obtain the great-looking smile you always wanted. To learn more about our cosmetic dental procedures and smile makeovers, schedule a consultation today by calling (831) 438-4411 or visit us online.