7 Hidden Benefits of a Great Smile
Why do more than 4 million people a year undergo orthodontic treatments to improve their smile? Can braces help you get more than a good-looking smile? These are good questions, and the answer to all of them is surprisingly simple. Here’s a hint: It’s not just for looks.
From higher self confidence to lower risk of gum disease, a better smile offers many benefits.
And don’t buy the line about “form over function.” A smile that looks good will also work well, meaning you get twice the benefit.
In this article, we’ll explore 7 benefits of a great smile, and you might be surprised by how it can change your daily life.
1 | Improve your self-confidence
It’s estimated that 85% of people struggle with some form of low self-esteem. While 85% sounds high at first, it’s not actually that surprising. Most of us are bombarded every day with images, ads, and social media posts that portray unattainable standards.
While some things are hard to control or impossible to fix, a smile is something that most people can improve. In fact, it’s often possible to improve your smile with less time and cost than you expect. Since a smile is one of the first and most prominent parts of ourselves that we show to others, confidence in your smile is crucial for feeling good and acting with the surety you deserve.
2 | Help your mental health
Mental health is another common issue that most people deal with at one point (or throughout) their life. For many, low self-esteem comes from self-imposed standards that are faulty or entirely untrue.
To boost self-esteem, you need a way to give your body positive emotional signals. The science is actually quite simple. Smiling releases serotonin, which is the chemical that triggers feelings of pleasure. Smiling more often is a way to release healthy doses of serotonin. In turn, this can help regulate everything from your mood to sleep patterns.
3 | Inspire joy in others
More than half of face-to-face communication is non-verbal. What is your smile saying about your mood? Humans like to mirror reactions and emotions that are displayed through physical posture and demeanor. This means that a kind smile is the best way to make someone’s day, even if it’s a complete stranger.
Plus, smiles usually get passed on once you’ve started the trend. What’s in it for you? Aside from spreading positivity, it’s been shown that those who smile more enjoy the following benefits:
- A healthier social life, and better quality social interactions.
- Higher pay and a better likelihood of landing a job interview (talk about a payoff!).
- More positive first impressions.
4 | Enjoy better oral health
A good smile promotes better oral health habits, and better results from your cleaning efforts. Why not get the most from your brushing, flossing, and regular cleaning routines?
Straight teeth are less likely to get damaged or trap food particles that promote decay, cavities, and gum disease. Proper alignment, spacing, and bite structure will help you care for your teeth for decades to come.
As an added bonus, you’re also less likely to be self-aware about odd chewing or an awkward bite due to misalignment.
5 | Preserve your memories with great pictures
It might seem obvious to you, but many people don’t know how to take a great picture. And not knowing how to smile well is a major reason that people don’t like to get their picture taken. This fear actually causes some people to avoid pictures altogether, or to deal with undue stress at the thought of smiling for a permanent memory.
In fact, one of the most frequently searched questions about smiles is: “how to smile for a picture.” An attractive smile will help you confidently make memories without the fear of disliking your picture or feeling like you can’t use a natural expression to show your emotions.
6 | Lower your stress
Remember what we said earlier about serotonin coming from smiles? Your body also releases dopamine when you smile. This helps you relax and address even frustrating situations with a better attitude.
Your body can benefit greatly from lower stress levels (including lower blood pressure), and it might help you have more patience with those around you. Everyone can use an extra dose of patience!
Experience these benefits and more
If you want to learn more about what’s involved in improving your smile, schedule a free, no-pressure consultation with our team today. We’re ready to walk you through the process, answer questions, and outline a clear plan to your own masterpiece smile.