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The Benefits of Smiling

While it’s widely recognized as a polite and attractive thing to do, few people realize the range of benefits that have been linked to smiling. Various studies have shown that smiling can positively affect your health in a variety of surprising ways.

Improve Your Mood

Smiling does more than show others you’re happy — it makes you feel happy too. A study at the University of Cardiff in Wales found that facial expressions actually influence your mood to reflect what your face is communicating.

This means that even faking a smile will help improve your mood. While it’s not a good idea to suppress your emotions, making an effort to smile can snap you out of a negative thought pattern and start a positive one.

Reduce Your Stress

When you smile, neurotransmitters called endorphins are released in your brain. These chemicals help us feel relaxed and reduce our stress levels.

The more often you smile, the more often your brain will release these endorphins. The next time you feel over-stressed, try smiling and see how it helps.

Enhance Your Social Life

A bright smile projects an image of happiness, healthiness, and confidence. A study by Penn State University found that employees who smile are viewed by customers as more likable and approachable than those who don’t.

Your smile sends a message that others around you will respond to. If you tend to be shy in social interactions, sometimes a smile is all it takes to make a new friend.

man and his wife enjoying brunch together

Appear More Trustworthy

When you approach people with a smile, they’re more likely to perceive you as honest. A study by the University of Pittsburgh asked men to rank models based on how trustworthy they appeared to be. The results showed that the models with the biggest and brightest smiles were seen as the most trustworthy.

If you want to make a good impression or show someone that you have good intentions, smiling is a great way to accomplish this.

Smiling is Contagious

Smiling is a universal expression of happiness that transcends culture. People from all around the world, no matter what language they speak, can communicate through smiling.

When you smile at someone, people read the emotions you’re displaying and reflect them back at you — this reflex is known as facial mimicry. Once you understand this concept, you can use it to spread happiness everywhere you go.

Visit Dr. Herman for Dental Implants

At Herman Family Dentistry, we believe that no one should feel self-conscious about smiling. That’s why we offer quality dental implants to restore beauty and confidence to your smile.

Dr. Herman uses the latest technology and surgical advancements to perform safe and effective treatments for all our patients. When your restoration is complete, you’ll leave our office in Vincennes, IL ready to share your new smile with the world.