Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. It’s also what tells your friends that you’re happy to see them, and your loved ones that you cherish them. While this is an incredibly crucial feature, it may surprise you to learn how your grin can impact your overall well-being. Keep reading to learn about the benefits of smiling and cosmetic dental treatments that can help you improve your pearly whites!
4 Essential Benefits of Smiling
Many studies have reported that people typically find others more attractive when they smiled. That said, it’s important to remember that grinning isn’t simply all about how you look. Your smile also communicates how you feel which, in turn, influences how others feel around you. Here are four noteworthy benefits of smiling:
- Smiling demonstrates confidence: Grinning can show that you are happy and comfortable where you are, confident about yourself, and engaging.
- Smiling spreads positivity to others: Oftentimes, the mirroring neurons in the brain cause people to mimic behaviors from each other, such as when someone yawns everyone begins to do the same. This same effect can happen when others see you grin.
- Smiling boosts your health: Showing off a beaming smile can help reduce stress levels, improve your mental health, and even boosts your immune system. You’ll be able to look and feel good all around!
- Smiling can help you recover from stress: According to an article in Wall Street Journal, participants who smiled after performing a stressful task were able to reduce their heart rate much faster.
Tips on Caring for Your Pearly Whites
To ensure you make the most of your smile, you’ll want to practice keeping oral health problems like cavities and gum disease at bay. Here are several measures to take to maintain clean and healthy teeth:
- Brush two times a day for two full minutes
- Floss and rinse with mouthwash daily
- Refrain from overindulging in sugar and alcohol content
- Keep a well-balanced diet consisting of vitamin-rich meals
- Avoid bad oral habits like smoking, nail-biting, and chewing on ice
- Visit your dentist every six months for checkups and cleanings
Why You Should Speak with Your Cosmetic Dentist
Even if you want to show off your grin, it can be difficult if you’re struggling with one or more dental flaws, such as chips, stains, or gaps in your smile. Fortunately, you can effectively correct most imperfections with cosmetic dental treatments like teeth whitening, dental bonding, and veneers. Some of these procedures can be completed in a single appointment while others can provide comprehensive results that can last 15 years or more with proper care.
If you’re interested in improving your pearly whites, don’t hesitate to consult your dentist about cosmetic dentistry. They’ll be more than happy to determine the ideal solution and help you achieve a healthy, beautiful, and confident smile!
About the Author
Dr. Nelson Y. Howard received his dental doctorate from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Dentistry. He’s also a member of several prestigious organizations like the American Society for Dental Aesthetics and the West Coast Society for Cosmetic Dentistry. He offers multiple high-quality and comprehensive services, including teeth whitening, dental bonding, and veneers. If you’d like to set up a consultation, visit his website or call him at 858-451-0550.