How Smiling Can Enhance Your Life | Ottawa Dentist

blonde woman smiling showing how smiling can enhance your life

There is no official evidence supporting the adage “it takes more muscles to frown than to smile” but there is evidence to support the positive effects of smiling. Friends may encourage one another to smile during difficult times because they know even a fake smile produces real endorphins. Whether you are already in love with your smile or are considering ways to enhance it, here are some real-world benefits of smiling.

More Positive Relationships. People who smile more often are seen as being more approachable, likable, creative, and productive. Smiling can also have a “ripple effect” as one person’s expression of joy can cause an onlooker to also feel joy and smile too. The next time you are out with friends, or a loved one could use a pick-me-up, remind them of their positive attributes and share a smile with them!

Health Connections. When we smile, our brains release neuropeptides and neurotransmitters that alleviate the stressors of our day. The most common hormones associated with these results are dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins. Dopamine and serotonin are “happy hormones”, acting as antidepressants. Endorphins offer mild pain relief; together, they have been shown to reduce stress and our heart rate. A smile a day can go a long way to making us feel better and look out for the world with a positive attitude.

It is important to note that there are individuals who experience smile anxiety, which occurs when an individual becomes reluctant to smile in public because he or she dislikes, or is embarrassed by, the aesthetic appeal of their smile. There are many factors that may cause someone to feel this way including trauma, decay or the angle adult teeth may have grown.

It’s important to retain gentle kindness if you know a loved one struggles with the appearance of their smile, though there are several means of restoration your dentist may recommend.

Schedule your appointment today. Call Dr. Katia Doumit in Ottawa, Ontario at 613-232-8000. Dr. Doumit proudly serves Ottawa and all surrounding areas.