The Science of A Smile

We smile every day, but often don’t realize how much smiling positively affects our health and happiness, as well as that of everyone around us! Smiling is proven to reduce stress and increase happiness. Oftentimes smiling is looked at as a result of happiness, but it goes both ways. Smiling releases endorphins and serotonin, two of the major chemicals that cause happiness. Not only does smiling trigger happiness-it also helps reduce stress, lower blood pressures and strengthen the immune system. When smiling the body is more relaxed, causing stress reduction which leads to a stronger immune system. Another study suggests that more smiling can also be associated with lower cortisol levels, which is another factor in reducing stress and strengthening overall health.

Smiling is also thought to increase life spans. One study showed that those who smile more have an average life span of seven years longer than those who are less prone to smiling. Smiling helps in many aspects of the workplace as well. During job interviews it is very important to smile as smiling shows confidence, positivity, friendliness and many other qualities that employers are likely to be looking for. Another way that smiling helps in the work place is that those who smile often are more likely to get promoted in jobs than their less-smiling peers.

Smiling also causes people to be more attractive. Studies find that 70% of people find smiling faces more attractive than faces with makeup. This is partially due to the fact that smiling causes people to look younger. The muscles used in smiling naturally lift the face, so smiling is a sort of natural, free face lift. Smiling is contagious, so others around you receive the innumerable benefits that come along with smiling as well. Through smiling more, we can all be healthier and happier! If you are not smiling with confidence, now is a great time to do something about it. According to Dr. Owens, “with all the new technology it’s a great time to be improving to improve your smile – from simple whitening procedures to more complex cosmetic restorations there are so many possibilities.” For more information, talk to your dentist about the options available to make your smile beautiful!

Tim Owens Dentistry is K99's Local Dental Expert and they can help you overcome your dental anxiety with sedation dentistry. They are located at 1514 E Harmony Rd #4, Fort Collins, CO. For more information visit http://www.owensdds.com or call (970) 377-2557.