SIDE EFFECTS OF A GREAT SMILE

One of the first things we notice when we greet people is whether or not they are smiling. A smile lets us know people are happy to see us. Smiling is so important to human connection that it is one of the first ways we learn to communicate – not long after crying and making eye contact. Given that, it is no surprise that the condition of our smile can impact how we are perceived by others, as well as how we perceive ourselves. A great smile can have amazing health and wellness benefits, including increased confidence, attractiveness, and happiness. We’ve compiled a list of some of the most unexpected benefits of having a great smile:

INCREASE CONFIDENCE

Often the first thing people notice about you is your smile. Most people find people with a good smile to be more attractive than people with a poor smile. As a result, knowing that your smile is beautiful and healthy gives you confidence to show it off.

LOOK YOUNGER

White teeth are associated with youthfulness. As we get older, our teeth are more likely to be stained and discolored. The enamel on our teeth gets worn down over time and makes our teeth more vulnerable to stains. Additionally, smiling lights up your eyes and makes your face look younger. If you are confident about your healthy teeth, you are more likely to smile and be perceived as youthful.

IMPROVE LOVE RELATIONSHIPS

Kissing is an important part of love and intimacy. The fact is most people are not interested in kissing someone with bad teeth. It may seem superficial at first, but a poor smile can be the result of poor oral health. Decaying teeth and gum disease are unattractive and contribute to bad breath.

IMPROVE MOOD

Smiling releases endorphins which can improve your mood. If you are feeling down, a smile may be all you need to turn your mood around. Even a fake smile can flood your system with mood-lifting endorphins, so you may find yourself smiling for real before too long.

REDUCE STRESS

This is also thanks to the endorphins released when you smile. Endorphins can counteract stress hormones and help you relax. Stress can contribute to several different health problems, including grinding your teeth. Smiling often can help decrease your risk for stress-related health concerns.

REDUCE PAIN

Pain reduction is yet another benefit of a smile induced endorphin release. Smiling, as well as laughter, has been shown lessen pain and discomfort. Laughter may be the best medicine, but smiling is apparently pretty good medicine too.

STRENGTHEN YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

When you smile, your body produces white blood cells. These are the cells your body uses to combat illness. Hospitalized children who are visited by entertainers that make them laugh and smile have been shown to have higher white blood cell counts than children without the entertainer visits.

INCREASE YOUR INCOME

A healthy smile can increase your income in a couple of different ways. First, as mentioned before, a healthy smile can increase your confidence. When interviewing for a job or requesting a raise, your level of confidence increases your chance of getting hired or a bump to your salary. Secondly, hiring managers rely heavily on first impressions. A great smile always makes a good impression. Given all these benefits, it is clear that smiling often can have a positive impact on your life. But if you have a poor smile, you may miss out on some of these benefits. People who are dissatisfied with their smile may feel self-conscious about it and try not to smile or cover their mouth when they do. There are a lot of things that can decrease the quality of your smile. Even with regular dental care, teeth may become stained, discolored, chipped, or otherwise damaged. Luckily, due to advances in dentistry there’s a lot that can be done to help you have a beautiful, white smile.

TEETH WHITENING

Teeth whitening is the most common cosmetic dentistry procedure done in the United States. Although there are several teeth whitening products available on the market, professional teeth whitening produces the most dramatic results in the least amount of time. You can find out more about our professional teeth whitening service here.

PORCELAIN VENEERS

Porcelain veneers can improve your smile in several different ways. Veneers are very thin shells or covers that are permanently adhered to your teeth. They can be used to fix tooth discoloration and crooked or damaged teeth. Veneers give you an even, white smile that resists staining. For more information on porcelain veneers, check out our porcelain veneers overview and FAQ page. If your smile makes you want to frown, contact us today. Our dental professionals can help you get the bright, healthy smile you’ve always wanted.