3 Amazing Benefits of a Great Smile

A good smile can brighten up the room. People who frequently smile are perceived to be more in control, at ease and attractive than those who don’t (Lau, 1982). However, a genuine smile may do more than just improve your appearance. New research has found a strong connection between smiling and your general health and well-being. So, if you are reluctant to smile due to self consciousness or embarrassment over your smile, it can be hurting more than social life. It may be affecting your overall well being.

1). Good Feelings

Smiling can lift your spirits. A study conducted by the British Dental Health Foundation showed the act of smiling to dramatically improve one’s mood. Dr. Nigel Carter, foundation CEO, stated “We have long been drawing attention to the fact that smiling increases happiness both in yourself and those around you, so it is good to receive the backing of this scientific research. A healthy smile can improve your confidence, help you make friends and help you to succeed in your career.” If the appearance of your teeth is preventing you from smiling freely there’s a good chance you are lowering your confidence and happiness, as well as the happiness of those around you. Creating a beautiful, confident smile for yourself will help create happiness and confidence which will spread among your friends and family.

2). Affect on Others

People who smile more often have a more positive effect on their environment, and are better received by others (Abel, MH, Hester, R. 2002, The Therapeutic Effects of Smiling). Feeling “in place” with your surroundings may be essential to physical and emotional well-being. The Canadian Statistics Office reports that “Individuals who felt very strongly connected [in their society] had nearly twice the odds of reporting excellent or very good health, compared with those who reported a weak sense of community belonging.” A more pragmatic benefit is that restaurant workers who serve customers with a smile are observed to receive larger tips (Tidd & Lockard, 1978) and repeat business (Tsai, 2001). Smiling can even affect the way one person is received by another over the phone. A study, conducted by Amy Drahota, examined how smiling affects how people speak and are heard. From her research, she ascertained that “When we listen to people speaking, we may be picking up on all sorts of cues, even unconsciously, which help us to interpret the speaker.”

For all these reasons improvements to your smile will impact other areas of your life. By seeking out the braces, veneers, or whitening to give yourself a beautiful smile you also make yourself more open to the community. That friendly, openness can pay off with new friendships and career success.

3). Stress Relief

Smiling may help to reduce symptoms associated with anxiety. Mark Stibich, PhD, consultant at Columbia University, believes that “If you can slow your breathing down and change your expression, you may be able to turn around the stress cascade.” Chronic stress does significant damage to the body and mind. Reducing stress may lower blood pressure, improve digestion, regulate blood sugar and curb neurotic reactions brought on by prolonged anxiety. By feeling confident in your smile you will find yourself smiling more often. And the physiological benefits will follow- improved moods, lower blood pressure, and a positive mind body connection.

So, while some people worry that it is vanity that makes them want to improve their smile, in reality, the benefits are far beyond simply looking better in pictures. Getting the best smile you can helps you get the best life you can. And by knowing you deserve that life you will radiate your inner beauty. Don’t delay meeting with your dentist to discover the latest methods in smile improvement. Start today on the path to the smile of your dreams and you will be starting on the path to improving your personal life, professional life, and health.