One of the great benefits of living in the Information Era is that it has produced the wondrous platform that you’re reading this post on – the Internet. This new era has produced some challenges, though. People are compelled to move faster, time is limited, and stress has increased. What can be done to maintain some sense of balance and happiness? Your cosmetic dentist in Denton says a smile can do wonders. Find out how!
The Mechanics of a Smile
You’ve probably heard people say that it takes more muscle activity to frown than it does to smile. While that has yet to be substantiated through any hard data, there is evidence that smiling is attached to the emotion of happiness.
The latter has then been linked to the production of such chemicals as dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin and endorphins, which are generally considered to be your “happy” hormones. Thus, the production of these chemicals can contribute to the reduction of stress, an improved disposition and greater pain tolerance.
Smiling for Stress Reduction
The main issue with stress is that it can shift your mind and body into “fight or flight” mode, which is a natural protection mechanism that was developed in mankind’s more primitive existence as a way to cope with harsh living conditions. Thus, when stress levels are high, the human body will secrete more adrenalin, histamines and cortisol to accommodate any possible challenges.
The problem with the latter three is that when they are secreted in an abundance, they can become toxic and inhibit the function of the immune system.
Smiling provides a way to balance these hormones and reestablish an equilibrium.
Smiling for an Improved Disposition
Smiling can also be considered as an audition for prolonged happiness and an improved disposition. Again, by programming your body to produce the happy hormones, you can begin to shift your mindset and create a reality of improved overall wellness.
Smiling as a Means of Pain Tolerance
When an athlete is stretching his or her muscles before an event, it’s necessary to relax enough to allow for the full benefits of the process. While stretching can sometimes cause a measure of discomfort, the athlete’s ability to relax helps to make the process more productive.
The same rationale can be applied when it comes to other areas of discomfort in life. Smiling is a form of passivity that allows for the stress to be dissolved, while frowning can, at times, be viewed as a form of resistance, which increases one’s mental and physical anguish.
The Cosmetic Benefits of Smiling
Not only can learning to smile more possibly provide for better mental clarity and increased happiness, but it can also reduce the aging effect. A recent study found that among the test subjects, those who smiled for photos were more likely to appear, on average, two years younger than their actual age.
Thus, it can be concluded that smiling has multiple benefits. So now that a new year is underway, your dentist in Denton says a simple and attainable resolution that you can add to your list is to smile more!
About the Author
A graduate of Baylor College of Dentistry, Dr. Ted Dunson has been providing the best in dental care in Denton for the past 20 years. So that he can continue to offer comprehensive services, he takes hours of continuing education annually and maintains professional affiliation with such organizations as the Denton County Dental Society and the Texas Dental Association. Dr. Dunson practices at Southridge Dental Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, and he can be reached for more information through his website.