Have you ever felt so self-conscious about flaws in your teeth that you held back your smile? Nothing deflates your confidence quite like feeling like you must remain tight-lipped during friendly meals, important business meetings, or family photos that will be framed and hung on the wall. Not only that, but if you’re worried about your appearance then you might miss out on the many health advantages of a big, beautiful grin. Fortunately, cosmetic dentistry has solutions that can mend or hide imperfections. Once your positive self-image is restored, you can enjoy these 4 benefits of smiling!
Benefit #1: Stress Relief
November kicks off the holidays, which everyone knows can be incredibly stressful even if they’re filled with joy. If you’re overworked and overwhelmed, then your mood has probably suffered. Stress can leave you looking and feeling tired and worn down, which isn’t how you intend to spend your season.
Thankfully, the act of smiling releases chemicals in your brain that lower your blood pressure, slow your heartbeat, and ease muscle tension. The next time you feel stress bearing down on you, try beaming deliberately. It’s a great way to relieve unnecessary pressure and regain some peace of mind.
Benefit #2: Immunity Boost
Fall is also flu season and seemingly everyone gets sick at school and work this time of year. If you’ve caught a cold that won’t quit or can’t shake a bug from your system, try smiling! It releases specific neurotransmitters that leave you more relaxed, allowing your immune system to function that much more effectively.
Benefit #3: Lower Blood Pressure
Smiling is often accompanied by a good laugh, which triggers an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, followed by a quick cool-down. Your body experiences a sudden intake of air that’s rich in oxygen which stimulates your lungs, heart, and muscles briefly. The overall result is a decrease in blood pressure and a calmer disposition.
Benefit #4: Reduced Pain
Certain natural endorphins like serotonin and dopamine act as natural painkillers by improving your mood and flooding your system with feel-good chemicals. They’re released when you grin, so feel free to laugh in the face of discomfort. You’ll provide your body with a natural drug that avoids the agony of aches and pains.
Smiling can vastly improve your quality of life, so don’t let dental problems hold you back. Reach out to your dentist today to learn about treatment options to address those flaws. Soon, you’ll recapture the confidence you need to grin freely!
About the Author
Dr. Vy Tran has over 8 years of experience improving patients’ lives by enhancing their smiles. She pursued her dental doctorate at the University of Maryland at Baltimore and has since taken ongoing educational courses to better understand comprehensive dentistry, including cosmetic treatments. If you have flaws in your teeth, she can help! You’re welcome to request a consultation on the website or by calling (410) 729-9090.