Your smile is one of the first things that people notice about you, so you should smile as often as possible! But according to research from Yale University, men smile an average of eight times a day, with women smiling around 62 times daily. That said, men and women alike should consider smiling frequently, as the habit actually comes with several awesome health benefits! Here’s more from your dentist in Melbourne about four of them.
1. You’ll Look More Youthful
Some people believe that smiling and laughing too often can create wrinkles or crow’s feet in their faces—but research has actually found that not smiling is what makes a person appear older! In a study from Berlin’s Max Planck Institute, participants viewed pictures of happy, smiling faces compared to faces with neutral expressions and voted that the people smiling appeared the youngest looking. This means that if you want to turn back the clock and look more youthful, smile away!
2. 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 laughter actually increased the number of white blood cells in the body, which is critical for fighting off infections and boosting your overall immunity.
3. Reduces Your Stress Levels
A recent article in the Wall Street Journal referenced a study of 170 participants, which found that people who smiled after doing a particularly stressful job or 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.” This means that smiling can potentially influence the body’s natural response to stress.
4. Boosts 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 Conversely, we tend to stay away from people who seem sullen, angry, or withdrawn.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.
Knowing that smiling can benefit your overall health in several ways should incentivize you to do it more often! That said, 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.
About the Author
Dr. Cedric C. Chenet received his dental doctorate from Howard University and has proudly served patients in the Melbourne, FL area for several years. His practice is pleased to offer many different services including preventive, cosmetic, and restorative options. If you have any questions about the article or would like to arrange a visit, you can contact Dr. Chenet through his practice’s website or over the phone for assistance: (321) 253-3136.