National Smile Month runs from the 18th May to 18th June and is a time dedicated to promoting the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene and healthy smiles.
In a previous blog post, we spoke about the benefits of a good oral hygiene routine, as well as the best tips and tricks to follow in keeping your teeth and gums clean and fresh. But this month, in support of National Smile Month, we have put together a list of the wellbeing advantages to having a healthy smile!
The bigger the smile, the better the mood
It’s natural to feel down sometimes. But did you know that forcing a smile can improve your mood? The release of feel-good neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, is encouraged when we smile – these hormones are known to be nature’s anti-depressants! So, the next time you feel in low spirits, boost your mood naturally with a smile.
Immune-boosting smiles
It’s a well-known fact that dental health has a large influence on your overall wellbeing. If you don’t brush and floss regularly, harmful plaque and bacteria will stick to the tooth’s enamel and in-between the gums which, over time, can develop into gum disease. But did you know that, alongside your daily oral health routine, smiling is also said to stimulate immunity? Endorphins are released when we smile which boosts our mood and relaxes us, helping to improve our immune functions. Laughter really is the best medicine!
Reducing blood pressure through smiling
High blood pressure is no laughing matter and can be exacerbated through stress and feeling tense. However, recent clinical research suggests that smiling can, in some cases, lower blood pressure. If you have a blood pressure monitor at home, why not put on your best smile and put this to the test!
Smiles really are contagious
A study in Sweden has shown that smiling is contagious. A group of volunteers were asked to stare at pictures featuring people with various facial expressions and respond to each image with the opposite emotion. It was found that the subjects just couldn’t stop themselves from smiling when faced with an image of a happy person! It’s not just a saying – contagious smiles are a scientific fact!
But what if you don’t like the appearance of your smile?
At Lister House Dental Centre, we often have patients visit our practice who feel insecure about the appearance of their smile. Fortunately, Lister House Dental Centre offers a range of treatments devised to give you the smile you’ve always dreamed of. From orthodontics and teeth whitening to implants and veneers, our professional Harlow dentists are on hand to get you smiling with confidence.