How Smiling Affects your Health

You’ve probably been told at some point that it takes more muscles to frown than it does to smile. While we don’t have any scientific evidence proving this to be true, we do know that smiling can impact your health in several ways.

Unfortunately, many people struggle with smiling because their teeth are not in the best shape. The team at HollowBrook Dental can help. We offer a variety of dental services from cleaning to whitening to restorative treatments.

In this article, we’ll explain a few of the ways that smiling can impact your health.

Top 7 Health Impacts of Smiling

Elevates Mood

Smiling acts as a natural antidepressant because it triggers the release of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. Next time you’re feeling down, try smiling. Chances are that your mood will improve.

May Increase Lifespan

One of the best reasons to smile is because it may increase your lifespan. Studies show that happy people are usually healthier and live longer. However, more research is needed to understand the connection- but staying positive and happy is an important part of a healthy lifestyle.

Relieves Stress

When you’re stressed, it often shows up on your face, making you look worn down, overwhelmed, and tired. Smiling can prevent this, as well as reduce stress. Even if you don’t feel like smiling, you can fake it. Therefore, when you feel stress coming on, put a smile on your face.

May Reduce Blood Pressure

There is some research that indicates that smiling and laughing may help reduce blood pressure. You can test this if you have a blood pressure monitor. Sit and take a baseline reading. Then, take another while smiling to see how much of a difference there is.

Reduces Pain

Smiling triggers the release of natural painkillers, serotonin, and endorphins, which make you feel good. These chemicals can improve your mood, help you relax, and reduce physical pain.

Improves Immune System

Smiling can improve your overall health by increasing the effectiveness of your immune system. When you smile, due to the release of neurotransmitters, your immune function is improved.

It’s Contagious

Smiling can be contagious- in a good way. When you interact with people, your brain automatically notices and interprets their facial expressions. In many cases, you will unconsciously mimic their expression. This means that when you are smiling, other people will too- and vice-versa.

Let HollowBrook Dental Improve Your Smile

If you struggle to smile due to dental issues, let HollowBrook Dental help. We offer a variety of preventative, cosmetic, and restorative dental procedures. Schedule your consultation today to learn more.