4 Ways That Smiling Benefits Your Health

Your smile is one of the first things that people notice about you—so you should smile as often as possible! But smiling isn’t just all for show—there are actually several awesome health benefits to be reaped by the habit! Here’s more from your dentist in Jacksonville about the benefits of smiling and why you shouldn’t hesitate to show off your pearly whites.

1. You’ll Look Younger

Maybe you’ve heard colloquially that smiling and laughing too often can actually create wrinkles or crow’s feet in your face—but this isn’t the case at all! In fact, some research shows that not smiling is actually what causes a person to appear older. In fact, a study from Berlin’s Max Planck Institute found that participants who viewed pictures of happy, smiling faces compared to faces with neutral expressions thought that the people smiling appeared the youngest looking!

2. It Fortifies Your Immune System

Smiling won’t just make you look good; it’ll make your body feel good, too! Research from the Loma Linda University School of Medicine found that smiling and laughing often actually increased the number of white blood cells in the body, which is critical for fighting off infections and boosting the immune system.

3. Reduced Stress Levels

It’s also been discovered that smiling often can reduce the amount of stress your body is experiencing. A recent study found that people who smiled after doing a particularly stressful task experienced a much faster reduction in their heart rate afterwards. Additionally, those who smiled also recorded a faster physiological recovery from stress. This is because the muscle activity involved with smiling sends signals to the brain that indicate “safety.”

4. Boosted Self-Esteem

There’s no doubt that we’re naturally attracted to people who project a friendly, pleasant, and personable outlook. Conversely, we tend to stay away from people who seem sullen, angry, or withdrawn. Smiling allows you to project a positive and confident image of yourself that may help you to navigate social situations or succeed in the professional world—a friendly smile really can go a long way!

If you’re unsure about how to maximize your smile’s potential, don’t hesitate to speak with your dentist about viable options for smile enhancement; your health and happiness are worth it!

About the Author

Dr. Ryan Johnson received his dental doctorate from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine and has proudly served patients and families in the Jacksonville area for several years. His practice offers a wide range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dental services. If you have any questions about the article or would like to arrange a consultation, feel free to contact Dr. Johnson through his practice’s website or over the phone: (904) 281-2566.