When was the last time you smiled? Was it while you were having lunch with a friend, watching a funny movie with your child, or when you read that question? Over one-third of Americans feel embarrassed by their smile. Reasons vary, but the most common one is that people are embarrassed to show their smile because they don’t like their teeth.

There are of course many ways you can improve your teeth’s color or straightness… we offer many blog posts on such issues. What’s important here is that everyone shows their smile as proudly as they can, because a smile can improve both your own and other’s health. As A.A. Milene wrote, “Always wear a smile, because your smile is a reason for many others to smile!”

1. About Smiling

Did you know approximately 10 muscles are used when you smile? The biggest muscle involved is called the zygomaticus major. These muscles are very closely tied to our neutral network. Every time you smile a message is immediately sent to your brain. This message releases neuropeptides. Neuropeptides are often referred to as “Happy Hormones.” There are many types of neuropeptides released such as serotonin, endorphins, and dopamine. Each of these neuropeptides has individual and unique effects, but they all work together to increase both our mental and physical health.

2. Smiling can improve your mood

There’s no doubt that smiling can trick your own brain into feeling happy. When you smile your brain releases another type of neuropeptides. This chemical is called Oxytocin. This chemical increases happiness as well as decreases stress. Some people take oxytocin nasal spray to reduce their anxiety and calm them down before a stressful moment, but why do that when you could have the same effect by simply smiling. Smiling is an easy and simple remedy to boost your mood whenever you’re feeling down in the dumps.

3. Smiling can improve other’s mood

Having someone else meet your smile can be one of the most satisfying moments. It’s always nice to know that you have brightened someone’s day and possibly the easiest way to do that is by sharing a smile. When others see you smile Oxytocin is also released in their brains increasing their happiness and decreasing their stress. Oxcytocin is also

attributed to the feeling of trust. This is perfect if you’re making a new friend! Simply offer your new acquaintance a smile to make them feel comfortable.

4. Smiling can increase your endurance

If you’re a runner, you may want to start showing off those pearly whites more. Smiling can lower your oxygen consumption, increasing both the speed and distance a runner can travel. In addition, smiling relaxes your body which leads to more efficiency on the track. Frowning on the other hand tenses your body which decreases your efficiency.

5. Smiling can decrease pain

Smiling doesn’t just have mental improvements to your mind, but also your physical health. A smile releases natural painkillers in your body called endorphins. Harvard Health even did a study that found that individuals who smiled when experiencing a painful shock felt less pain than those who did not smile. You may think this sounds insane. How could a mere smile reduce any type of physical pain? But, when was the last time you smiled when you stubbed your toe?

6. Smiling Reduces Blood Pressure

When you smile your face contracts, which allows more blood to flow to your brain. This assists in reducing your blood pressure. In a study done by Cornell psychology researchers and published in the journal Psychophysiology it was discovered that individuals that smiled during stressful tasks had a lower heart rate than those who didn’t. Our knee-jerk reaction may be to grimace or frown when we’re stressed, but instead, maybe we should smile!

7. Smiling Boosts Your Immune System

The hormones Your body produces when you smile can also boost your immune system. A smile can produce many antibodies as well. In addition to these antibodies, a smile can also strengthen your T-cell function. These two benefits combined decrease your risk of getting sick. You can indeed be healthy and happy, and not by getting up early or eating an apple, you just need to smile.

8. Smiling Challenges to try

Hopefully, at this point, you’ve been convinced that you should smile more, but maybe you aren’t sure you’ll remember. A smile Challenge is both an effective and fun way to start smiling more. Here are two of my favorites!

– Waiting Challenge

Every time you’re in public and you have a pause in your busy schedule. Whether you’re waiting to cross the street or waiting in line at the store, take a moment to smile at those around you. See how many people you can get to smile back at you. If you’re competitive then you could even turn this into a challenge! Find a friend and see who can get the most people to smile back at them.

– 19 Smiles Challenge

According to scientists, there are 19 different smiles. This challenge is to see how many different types of smiles you have. Either stand in front of a mirror or take a picture of all the different smiles you can do! This is also a fun challenge you can do with others. Whoever has the most unique smile wins!

Conclusion

Children smile an average of 400-500 times a day. Adults who are considered “happy” smile only 40-50 times a day, while most adults only smile 20-30 times a day. Think about how different your life could look if you smiled just a little more.

If you’re still apprehensive because you’re embarrassed by your teeth and smile, then pay Chattanooga Family Dental a visit! Now go spread your smile around!