How Smiling Benefits Your Health
Did you know smiling benefits your health and well-being? This blog explores some of the top reasons you should smile daily and how to care for and enhance the appearance of your teeth to fully take advantage of these benefits.
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Everyone knows that smiling can brighten someone’s day, but did you know simply smiling offers other benefits to your health and well-being? But for many people, insecurity about how their teeth look may keep them from genuinely enjoying their life and showing that joy by smiling. In this blog, we explore some of the top reasons you should smile daily, as well as how to care for and enhance the appearance of your teeth to take full advantage of the benefits of smiling.
Smiling and Endorphins
Almost everyone has heard of endorphins, but do you know exactly what they do? Endorphins are a hormone created in two sections of your brain: the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus. They’re neurotransmitters, which means they are responsible for transporting messages in your central nervous system from one neuron to another. However, endorphins are inhibitory neurotransmitters, meaning that they block certain signals—more specifically, they block stress and pain signals, acting as a natural painkiller, with their effects acting similar to opioid pain relievers. So, how do the endorphins released when you smile benefit your health?
Smiling Boosts Your Mood
You may also have heard of dopamine. Dopamine is another type of neurotransmitter that is made in the hypothalamus, and it is part of your brain’s reward system. When you do something fun or pleasurable, dopamine is released, making you feel happy and motivated.
When you smile, you release endorphins, which in turn signal the release of dopamine, elevating your mood. If you’re feeling sad or unmotivated, putting on a smile (even if it’s not totally heartfelt) can trick your brain into releasing endorphins and dopamine and making you feel happier. It might feel weird, but it could change the trajectory of your day.
Smiling is Contagious
There are many things in today’s world that are contagious and that you want to avoid. But did you know that smiling can be infectious? You’ve probably heard the phrase, “When they walked in, they lit up the room with their smile.” It may seem a bit cheesy, but it is possible for someone to affect the mood of others just by smiling.
Have you ever felt “meh” about your day, and then someone smiles at you? It’s hard not to smile back, right? Because your brain is wired to notice and interpret the expressions of people around you (it’s a part of our innate defense mechanisms), when you see someone smile, you may unconsciously mirror their expression.
On the other hand, smiling can put someone at ease. Smiles make you appear approachable, kind, and trustworthy. So, don’t be afraid to smile in a social or professional situation. It might change your interactions for the better.
Smiling Reduces Pain
The word “endorphin” originates from the words “endogenous” (within your body) and “morphine” (an opiate pain reliever). When you put the words together, you get endorphins—pain relievers from within your body. There are over 20 different types of endorphins in your body, including beta-endorphins, responsible for pain relief. In fact, the power of beta-endorphins has a more substantial effect on pain than morphine.
When you smile, your body releases beta-endorphins and serotonin (another pleasure hormone, like dopamine). The combination of these two hormones helps you relax, lower your feelings of physical pain, and feel more positive.
Smiling Gives Your Immune System a Boost
When it comes to staying healthy, it turns out smiling, and the resulting endorphins can help your immune system, too. When you smile and release endorphins, you’re supporting your immune system in several ways, including:
- Signaling your brain to release hormones that boost immunity
- Calming your immune system so that it won’t react as intensely to potential triggers
- Helping you relax so your immune system can function more effectively
- Regulating and decreasing your body’s inflammatory response
Smiling can help you stay healthier during cold and flu season, lowering your overall physical and mental stress.
How to Keep Your Smile Healthy
If you’re reading this and thinking about all of the benefits of smiling but feel self-conscious about the state of your teeth, what can you do? The answer is simple: visit your dentist. Some of the ways you can boost the brilliance of your smile include:
- Practicing good dental hygiene at home by brushing and flossing daily
- Visiting your dentist at least twice a year for exams and cleanings
- Consider orthodontic care to straighten your teeth
- Have a missing tooth? Dental implants can change your life
- Professional teeth whitening
- Fixing chipped, broken, or stained teeth with veneers or lumineers
Not only does regular dental care keep your teeth looking gorgeous, but it also helps your overall health. Another benefit of smiling is that it improves blood flow to your brain, which can boost cardiovascular health by lowering your blood pressure. Also, keeping your gums healthy is vital to your smile and overall health, as people with untreated gum disease are nearly three times more likely to experience a heart attack or stroke.
Learn More About Cosmetic Dentistry in Norridge and Schaumburg
If you’re looking for ways to improve the appearance of your smile, it’s time to visit the experts at Royal Dental Care. Whether you need family dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, or emergency dentistry, our skilled and experienced providers will help you rejuvenate your smile so that you can reap all its benefits. To make an appointment, call us today at (773) 232-3929 (Norridge) or (847) 999-7620 (Schaumburg) or complete the online contact form.