If your smile is hindered by teeth you feel are subpar, you might be in the habit of hiding them behind your lips or hand. However, flashing your smile not only broadcasts how you’re feeling but also comes with health advantages, including an elevated mood. It can be hard to want to show your pearly whites when they’re crooked, chipped, or discolored, but cosmetic dental treatment can make these issues a thing of the past. Here are five benefits of smiling after investing in cosmetic dentistry according to your dentist in Tullahoma.
Make a Good First Impression
Needless to say, a person who is smiling automatically becomes more approachable. However, studies suggest that people with bright smiles are perceived as more trustworthy, more successful, and friendlier. Making a good first impression in this way can open doors in your life – romantically, socially, and professionally.
Improve Your Mood
Even if you don’t particularly feel like smiling, try it anyway! Research shows that physically moving your mouth into a smile produces the same brain activity as if you had smiled naturally. It may trigger the creation of serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters that are both linked to elevated moods.
Relieve Stress
After a particularly stressful situation, feel free to reward yourself with a smile of relief. Smiling reduces the heart rate, helping you calm down more quickly. You’re also more likely to avoid the health risks associated with chronic stress.
Look Younger
In a study conducted by the Max Planck Institute in Berlin, participants were presented with two sets of photos. One featured people smiling and the other showed people with neutral facial expressions. Participants overwhelmingly believed the grinning people looked younger. Even with laugh lines on your face, showing off a brilliant set of teeth can take years off your appearance!
Boost Your Immune System
Believe it or not, smiling and laughing actually increase your white blood cell count. This makes it easier for your body to fight off foreign pathogens and prevent illness. Who knew grinning could keep you from getting sick?
Are you ready to begin enjoying the benefits of smiling more often? Getting a set of pearly whites that you can be proud of is as simple as picking up the phone. Call your cosmetic dentist in Tullahoma today to start looking and feeling better before you know it!
About the Author
Dr. John Petty keeps abreast of the latest techniques and materials with over 500 hours of continuing education. He has taken many leadership roles in his profession serving as a General Chairman of the yearly educational meeting and as a Trustee of the Tennessee Dental Association (TDA). Dr. Petty is currently serving as Speaker of the House of the TDA. He is proud to see his son, Jackson, following in his footsteps as a dentist. If you are interested in cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Petty offers veneers, metal-free restorations, direct bonding, and teeth whitening. Schedule a consultation on his website or call (931) 454-9499.