A smile is a universal gesture. When you meet other people for the first time, even if those people are from a culture completely different than your own, a warm smile can put everyone at ease. There is no one who doesn’t love a genuine grin! However, you might not know just how powerful your smile is. Your cosmetic dentist lists some reasons why you should show off your pearly whites more often.
Smiling Reduces Stress
When you’re stressed out, you can squeeze a squishy ball, watch an episode of your favorite sitcom, or take a bubble bath. You could also simply turn that frown upside down. Two researchers conducted a study to find out how smiling can affect emotions. Some of their participants smiled while performing stressful tasks, while others held a neutral facial expression. Those who had genuine smiles had a lower heart rate after the stressful activities were over.
The lesson? Smiling can show that you’re happy, but it can also make you happier.
Smiling Makes You More Approachable and Attractive
Most of us work in jobs that require us to interact with people on a daily basis. If you don’t project an approachable attitude, you could alienate yourself from your coworkers. By smiling more, you can let others know that you’re open to talk.
Research has also shown that smiles can make people more attractive — so if you’re looking for a date, maybe all you need to do is change your facial expression.
Smiling Makes Others Happier
You ever notice how contagious yawning is? Well, smiles are contagious too! Our brains have something called mirror neurons, which activate when we see someone else doing something; we’re moved to imitate them. Therefore, when you share a grin with someone, they’re more likely to smile.
Smiling Makes You More Productive and Creative
Numerous studies have shown that happier employees are more productive employees. When you boost your mood by smiling, you’re better able to set aside your worries, focus on work, and power through that to-do list.
Feeling crafty? Smiling and happiness are connected to the release of dopamine, a hormone that aids in learning and decision-making. It can help you get a fresh perspective on problems.
What If You Don’t Like Your Smile?
There is no doubt about it — a smile is a mighty thing! But what if you hold back from smiling because your teeth aren’t as perfect as you wish? If you have discolored, cracked, chip, or misaligned chompers, you might not want anyone to see them.
Your cosmetic dentist can correct those flaws. Porcelain veneers are a fantastic way to make imperfections disappear; they’re a durable, gorgeous, and permanent solution to many unsightly tooth problems. If you just have a few minor things that you don’t like about your smile, you might try professional whitening or dental bonding instead.
There are oodles of reasons to smile, so go forth and show off your amazing personality with a gleaming grin!
About the Dentist
Dr. Karl Arakelian is your skilled cosmetic dentist in Bradford. He wants everyone to have the smile of their dreams, which is why he offers porcelain veneers and other cosmetic treatments. If you have questions about how you can have the beautiful pearly whites you’ve always wanted, contact us at 978-373-0901.
