We here at Family Laser & Cosmetic Dentistry pay attention to smiles – we work to help you keep teeth plaque and cavity-free, gumlines healthy and promote good dental habits. But in addition to good physical health, a healthy smile can also have a positive effect on your mental health.
Relax, Smiling Is Good for You
Smiles are a natural reaction to a good mood. But even if we’re not feeling genuine about it, a smile – even if we’re in a bad mood, – sends certain chemical signals to our brain telling it we’re happy. These chemicals are called endorphins which reduce stress. Psychologists have found that simulating a smile, even if you’re in a bad mood, can lift your spirits.
Baby Smiles Are the Best
Who doesn’t love a baby’s sweet little smile? Babies learn a lot in that formative first year but did you know that babies are born knowing how to smile? Although intentional “real” smiles generally begin about the age of four-to-six weeks, babies start smiling in their sleep as soon as they’re born.
Work Out Your Smile
You may think a smile is just a smile but you’d be wrong! Researchers at the University of California (San Francisco) identified 19 types of smiles, ranging from polite social smiles that may only use 5 muscle movements to sincere smiles that can use up to around 53 muscles. And although children smile an average of 400 smiles a day, we adults only average between 20-50 times a day from the typical to the average “happy” adult.
The Language We All Know
A happy, healthy smile is the most universally recognized expression of happiness and acceptance. People can recognize a smile from up to 300 feet away. Smiling truly is a worldwide way of greeting.
