Smiling is a universal symbol of content and holds a host of benefits for your physical and emotional health. That alone should be reason to ensure that you have enough confidence in your smile to show it often, but a slew of research shows that your smile provides an important, although more subtle, benefit to your social life. Astoria dentist, Dr. Jeffrey Leibowitz, explores a few discreet advantages that your smile may hold.
Lighten the Mood
Although clichéd, smiling actually is contagious. Numerous studies have shown that when you smile, those around you can pick up on your positive demeanor and smile with you, even if they weren’t before. By spreading the joy of smiling to the environment around you, you can help lower your stress level and reduce your risk of stress-related illnesses.
The Psychology of Smiling
While your smile typically depicts a pleasant attitude and demeanor, it can also serve multiple purposes by sending subtle signals. For instance, you may notice that people are more apt to engage a stranger, or even a known associate, if the target is smiling. When experts decided to examine the phenomenon, they discovered a distinct link between smiling and trust. Apparently, people who smile are considered more generous and extroverted then their more serious counterparts. In another study, some participants were asked to force a smile while viewing distressing images. Those who did so felt better afterwards, exemplifying the fact that smiling, even when forced, can noticeably lift your mood and help disperse tension during distressing situations. Take care, however; smiling at upsetting situations can help you feel better, but others may not appreciate the lack of seriousness.
Keep Your Smile Ready with Help from Astoria Dentist
Unfortunately, not everyone enjoys the benefits of smiling as much as others. A host of issues can mar the beauty of your smile and prevent you from showing it as often as you should. To learn how you can transform your smile into the one you’ve always dreamed of, or to schedule a dental consultation, contact Dr. Leibowitz by calling our Queens dental office at (718) 728-8320. We proudly serve patients from Astoria, Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the surrounding communities.
