Smiling does so much more than make you look good. It can make you healthier. Scientists have discovered that smiling can positively shift physical responses to stress and illness. Lifted moods, reduced stress, and boosted immunity are only three of the important benefits you can reap when you smile.
Mood Elevation
When you’re feeling nervous or sad, grinning from ear to ear is probably the last thing you want to do. Turning that frown upside down, however, can give you more reasons to smile. Researchers found that smiling reduces negative feelings, particularly those that occur when we're critical of ourselves. The next time you get frustrated or angry at yourself, stop and smile at your humanity showing.
Stress Reduction
Stressful events are some of life’s steadiest companions. Joy and devastation both cause stress. Fortunately, scientists have discovered that smiling lowers the heart rate during stressful events. A reduced heart rate can help you feel a little more calm, cool, and collected during difficult times. Don’t feel like smiling? Fake it. In this study, researchers physically manipulated the participants’ faces into smiles, and they still benefited.
Immune System Stimulation
A winning smile can help you win the war against infection. Several studies have documented the immune boosting power of a simple smile. Scientific research has revealed increased levels of immune system activity after smiling, laughing, or having positive moods. While not all the research directly measured smiling, consider how difficult it is to frown through boisterous laughter or when you’re in a good mood.
If you haven’t already at least smiled a little, Your Dental Office in Toronto, or Etobicoke, is here to help you smile a lot. When your teeth look fantastic and function well, you’re free to enjoy so many of life’s most beautiful moments. Whether you want to brighten your teeth with whitening or straighten your teeth with contouring and reshaping, Your Dental Office in Toronto, or Etobicoke, would be pleased to help you achieve the best dental health of your life. Now, that’s something guaranteed to make you smile. Contact us today to book an appointment and learn more about how you can improve your smile.