If you’re looking into cosmetic dentistry, you likely just want its social perks. Fair enough – the field’s treatments can transform your grin to appeal to friends and family. That being said, prettier teeth from your dentist have more to offer than easier mingling. Frequent smiling can benefit your health, so the right cosmetic work would literally do your body well. Learn the details in this primer on how smiling is physically good for you.
It Eases Your Stress Levels
While a gorgeous grin can boost your confidence, self-assurance isn’t its only mental upside. Research shows that smiling often lowers your stress levels.
A study from the University of Kansas supports this conclusion. In it, subjects doing complex tasks were less stressed when they smiled. Smiling gave participants lower heart rates as they worked, leading to relatively calmer moods. As a result, the subjects could stay at ease after their efforts.
It Lowers Your Blood Pressure
Most folks wouldn’t associate smiling with their heart health. Even so, the fact remains that showing off your pearly whites can lower your blood pressure.
To be more specific, it seems laughter helps with hypertension. The act of laughing reduces blood pressure on artery walls, lowering your risk of a heart attack or stroke. However, smiling is part and parcel of laughing; that means your smile can lead to life-saving laughter!
It Boosts Your Immune System
You know the saying “mind over matter?” Well, it seems to apply a bit toward your resistance to illness. Current science finds that smiling can boost a person’s immune system.
This health boost is related to your mood. Because smiling calms you by increasing endorphin levels, it reduces the overall strain on your immune system. That means your body is left with more resources to fight off harmful bacteria, so you’re less likely to get sick.
It Helps You Live Longer
Perhaps smiling’s biggest benefit is its effect on lifespan. After all, scientists believe grinning often enough can help you live a longer life.
This finding comes from a 2010 study in the journal Psychological Science. According to the research authors, people with intense smiles in photographs tend to live longer. The underlying cause appears to be happiness, as happy people enjoy better physical health over time.
Smiling can benefit your health, so don’t lose out on your grin’s more physical upsides. See your dental provider about a cosmetic treatment soon!
About the Practice
Green Valley Dental is based in Marion, OH. Led by Dr. Brent Whittaker, our practice takes pride in its meticulous, thoughtful, and warm dentistry. We offer preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments tailored to each patient’s smile, ensuring the best possible results. That way, you and your family know each visit will help your grins thrive! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (740)-725-8000.