Dentists are interested in giving you the best smile you can get, and that can make a massive difference in your life. Your teeth play a role in just about everything you do daily, but it’s also the case that smiling in itself can make a massive positive impact on how you feel.

Studies show that smiling has a variety of benefits to both your health and your mood. If you want to know what the science says, here’s a little bit more information.

‘Til You Make It

You may think that you smile because you’re happy, but some studies suggest that the opposite is also true: you can become happy by smiling! Psychologist Paul Ekman measured the brain patterns in two groups of students; one who was told to smile, and one who was made to smile naturally. He found that both groups had remarkably similar brain patterns, indicating that smiling improved participants’ moods.

Impress, Destress

In a similar vein, one study found that a smile is a pretty good stress reliever. Sarah Pressman, an assistant psychology professor at the University of California, Irvine, conducted a study on how people managed a stressful task by measuring their vitals, in particular their heart rate.

She found that participants who were told to smile saw their heart rates decrease significantly faster after the task was complete. It’s thought that smiling sends signals to the brain that they’re safe, which reduces stress.

Beat the Clock

Just about everyone would appreciate looking a little bit younger, and if this study is to be believed, a youthful smile can do that. A study conducted at Berlin’s Max Planck Institute showed participants pictures of various people and found that those who were smiling were judged to look younger than others who were not.

As you can see, a smile is an invaluable part of how you look and feel every day. That‘s why you should thank your dentist for helping you get your teeth in the best shape they can be!

About the Author

Dr. Lindsey Hammond is a dentist who grew up here in Tulsa, so she feels happy to help friends and members of her community get a brand new smile that they’ll be proud to show off. Dr. Hammond earned her dental doctorate from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry, and she is a proud member of the American Dental Association and the Oklahoma State Dental Association.

If you have any questions about how a smile can make a difference in your life, she can be reached at her website or by phone at (918) 254-8686.