A bright smile may seem like a natural expression of joy. According to research, it is much more.
At Centennial Dental, we love nothing more than seeing our patients’ smiling faces! When smiles are shared, there are far more to go around. Additionally, research indicates that there are hidden benefits to smiling that we should all know.
Smiling can Open Doors
Numerous studies related to smiling and cosmetic dentistry demonstrate a clear advantage to sharing smiles in a professional setting. Employers are not shy about reporting their tendency to hire applicants partly on the basis of their attractive smile. Many even report that they are more willing to hire a “smiler” than someone equally qualified who does not share their inner vibrancy.
The fact that smiling opens the door to opportunity should come as no surprise. We have all heard it said that a smile is contagious, and this is true. Additionally, research has indicated that people who smile seem more approachable and trustworthy, more sincere and friendly. Who doesn’t want to be around someone like that!
Smiling Decreases Stress
A significant study performed by two researchers at the University of Kansas and published in Psychological Science revealed that study participants who smiled bigger after performing a rather rigorous task (holding chopsticks in their mouth) recovered from their stress faster, and experienced a more dramatic drop in heart rate from smiling.
Smiling Boosts Mood
Perhaps one of the reasons that stress recovery occurs more quickly when we smile is related to the biochemical reaction in the brain that stems from this expression. Research has uncovered that smiling provokes the release of serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins in the brain. These neuropeptides are responsible for lowering blood pressure, heart rate, and generalized stress.
Are you smiling yet?
Here’s the thing about smiling . . . If you are self-conscious about the appearance of your teeth, chances are you subconsciously hide them. One of the quickest ways to restore your natural desire to share a smile is to attend to your dental needs. This may mean that you visit us for a routine exam and cleaning, or that we discuss brightening your smile with professional whitening. Whatever it is that you need, don’t wait to find more reasons to smile!
