On average, children smile 400 times a day while adults smile 20 times a day, yet most of us don’t truly appreciate the benefits of smiling. The most obvious one is happiness. A study by IGEA Brain and Spine suggests that even if you force yourself to smile, you can trick your brain into believing you’re happy. When you smile, you generate more endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin for your body and more neuropeptides for your brain. These chemicals make you feel brighter and less depressed.
What’s more, smiling is good for your heart. Tara Kraft and Sara Pressman from the University of Kansas noticed that people who smile more have lower heart rates and have better stress recovery. Likewise, Dr. Kei Hayashi from the University of Tokyo’s research suggests that people who smile more frequently are less likely to develop cardiovascular disease.
Meanwhile, a study from Wayne University in Michigan states that smiling can improve your lifespan. The subjects of their study that smile more lived over seven years longer than those who didn’t.
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Numerous studies also suggest that smiling makes you appear more attractive, relaxed, happy, approachable, and trustworthy. For example, a study by Golle, Mast & Lobmaierm noted a strong connection between the evaluation of attractiveness from its participants and the intensity of a smile.
Unfortunately, many people hesitate to smile because they lack confidence. Here are a few ways you can gain the self-confidence to smile more broadly, from finding the right cosmetic dentist in Hamilton to focusing on oral care and diet.
#1 Focus On Oral Care
Remember to brush your teeth twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste, floss every day, and see your dentist periodically. These simple steps can not only improve your oral health but also your smile. If you don’t take care of your oral hygiene, the bacteria in your mouth can leave your teeth with unsightly issues such as plaque, tartar, gum recession, tooth decay, and more.
#2 Improve Your Diet
Avoid the consumption of sugary or acidic foods that can harm your teeth and gums. Minimize the consumption of dark soda, red wine, and tobacco. Such items can stain your teeth. Instead, consume more leafy greens, root vegetables, milk, and cheese to improve your oral health.
Rather than soda, consume more water. Not only will water wash away food particles from your mouth, but it will promote saliva production, which is good for your oral health. Fluoridated water can also help remineralize your teeth.
#3 Try Cosmetic Dentistry
There was a time when cosmetic dentistry was an option only for the affluent. However, thanks to advancements in technology, cosmetic dentistry is more accessible than ever before, with a variety of treatment plans that can suit your needs and budget. Something as simple as teeth whitening can greatly improve your smile, while in-depth treatment plans can have a positive impact through some subtle enhancements to your teeth.
Aside from the aesthetic benefits, cosmetic dentistry can also be good for your overall health. For example, not only are clear aligners aesthetically pleasing – but they improve your bite, leaving you with less pain while chewing.
With so many benefits to smiling, it’s advisable to improve your oral health. Whether you want to take steps to improve your smile at home or the clinic, there are many effective options for you to choose from.
If you are interested in even more lifestyle-related articles and information from us here at Bit Rebels, then we have a lot to choose from.
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