Just about everyone loves to smile. From a glimmer of a grin to a full-blown belly laugh, it simply feels great to feel that good. And the power of your smile doesn’t stop there! Staying positive can even support your emotional and overall health.
Why grinning is great for you
Better moods: The act of smiling and laughing can release serotonin, which boosts your mood.
Less stress: Smiles release endorphins, which can reduce feelings of stress and even alleviate pain. Lower stress levels can also limit oral health-related problems like tooth grinding.
Strengthened immune system: Positive thinking associated with smiling can release chemicals (called neuropeptides) that help your immune system fight disease.
Friendlier interactions: Smiles are contagious. Starting a conversation with positivity might rub off on others and lead to positive interactions throughout your day.
Increased positivity: The reasons aren’t entirely clear, but your brain can take cues from your body — which means that wearing a smile can cause you to feel more positive more often.
Support for overall health: The feel-good hormones and chemicals your body releases when you smile can lower your heart rate and blood pressure. This is one of many examples of the connection between your oral and overall health!
That’s a list worth smiling about! And to be clear, there’s no need to be dishonest about how you feel or to smile when you don’t mean it. Just remember that focusing on the things in life that make you smile can lead to emotional, physical, and oral health benefits.
Help your smile help you!
Your smile offers a lot of benefits, but not if you let oral health issues get in the way. Take great care of your teeth and gums with strong oral health habits:
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Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush
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Drink water to stay hydrated and wash away food residue on your teeth
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Limit sugary drinks and snacks that contribute to cavities and acidic items that can erode tooth enamel
It’s also important to schedule regular dentist visits. Your dentist and dental hygienist support your smile by:
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Performing a thorough cleaning
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Taking any needed X-rays
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Examining your mouth and teeth for any issues
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Answering any questions you have about your oral health
Here’s to a healthy smile
Your grin is the gift that keeps on giving. Make sure you take care of it, so you can enjoy the benefits of smiling year after year. Remember, a smile may age but it never grows old!