We all know that having a smile we’re not afraid to show off improves our self confidence. We also know that when our teeth are in good condition, our oral health is something we never have to think twice about! But did you know that there are a few less talked about, and rather hidden health benefits of being able to love your smile? Really! Check them out down below.
Smiling Releases Endorphins
We strongly associate smiling with the result of being happy, but did you know smiling can actually make you happy? When you smile, your brain releases a shot of neurotransmitters that help you to feel positive; these include endorphins, often nicknamed a ‘happy chemical’, but serotonin and dopamine as well.
But these don’t just act on your brain; they can help to remove physical ailments too (more on that later!).
If you feel you can smile, you could very well make yourself happier by doing so. And let’s not forget that knowing you have a smile you’re happy with makes it easier to beam when you’re feeling good. It all feeds back into each other, and makes being able to love your smile double the health benefit!
Smiling Could Make Your Immune System Stronger
Being physically in good health isn’t the only thing that makes it easier for your body to fight off infections. There are mental associations that impact your immune system as well! As when you smile, you could reinforce your immune system even further – simply because you feel healthy when you feel happy.
Remember, when we smile, our brains flood with those neurotransmitters that improve mood, but they also reduce pain and make stress feel much less crushing. If more of those chemicals are in your system on a regular basis, you could very well have the most robust immune system in the whole area!
Oral health connects far beyond our teeth and gums. You really can gain an immune boost from paying regular visits to the dentist, whether you’d like to ask about dental implants, see the hygienist, or simply go for a routine checkup.
When You Love Your Smile, You Smile More Often
If you’re unhappy with the way your smile looks, you’re not going to let yourself smile very often. You’re going to worry about smiling in front of people, and try to catch yourself before you let your teeth peak out.
But when you love your smile, you’re going to be able to smile more often. You won’t worry about the way it looks, which means you’re going to experience the health benefits above much more frequently. Simply put, loving your smile means being able to smile!
There are various health benefits to loving your smile, but some arne’t as talked about as others. Make sure you know those above and keep them in mind the next time you think about cancelling a dentist’s appointment! Let yourself love your smile and you’ll get that appreciation back!