You tend to smile as a reaction to feeling happy. But many people may not realize that the inverse can be true as well. When you smile, you can create a happy sensation in yourself.
If you smile more often, then you can experience more joyful feelings that will also result in benefits for your mental and physical health. But if you do not feel satisfied with the way your smile appears, you might hesitate to show it off. Then you can miss out on wellness advantages that come from smiling.
Your dentist can help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile that you can feel proud to show off. You may feel more encouraged to talk to your dentist about cosmetic dentistry options when you know more about how smiling can affect your well-being. Learn how the act of smiling can give you a wellness boost when you read on.
What Happens to the Body When You Smile?
When you smile, muscles at the edge of your mouth stretch and lift the lips upward. At the same time, muscles in the corner of the eyes will contract. This combination of muscle movements triggers a response in the brain to release certain neurotransmitters. These are chemicals that affect the body in a number of ways.
These specific neurotransmitters, dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin, all relate to the mood. They can induce a calming sensation, which will lower stress levels and therefore your blood pressure. They can even relieve pain. As a result, you can see a reduced risk of several serious health issues.
You may also feel a boost in your mental health, which can further reduce strain on your body. It is a way to improve your overall wellness without the side effects that some medications might generate. Health professionals suggest that smiling often in order to induce these benefits can enhance your whole perspective on life.
How Can My Dentist Help Me Smile More?
If you feel self-conscious about the appearance of your teeth, you might hesitate to smile as much as you would like. You can schedule a cosmetic dental consultation with your dentist to find targeted ways to get you the smile of your dreams. Then you can smile with confidence and reap the accompanying wellness benefits.
Your dentist will evaluate your unique smile and determine a personalized treatment plan to address your specific needs and goals. This way, you can get a beautiful smile that will also look natural and will not interfere with your oral health.
If you have stains on your teeth, your dentist might recommend teeth whitening treatment. They can offer you a take-home whitening kit or in-office treatment that will lift stubborn dental discoloration to give you a brighter smile.
Not all dental stains will respond to this treatment, so your dentist can offer alternative cosmetic solutions. Porcelain veneers, for instance, are custom-made shells that attach to the teeth to cover stains, close gaps between teeth, reshape irregular teeth, and more. Book a dental appointment today to begin enhancing your smile.