Recently, we discussed the social significance of your smile and the importance of keeping it healthy and beautiful. A smile that you’re proud of is one that you will show often, and you can benefit more from the subtle nuances of its expressions. Aside from enhancing your communication skills, though, your smile can also provide one important benefit to your dental and overall health. Astoria dentist, Dr. Leibowitz, explains how your smile can help you significantly lower your stress levels.
The Threat of Stress
You are likely aware that excessive stress can place your health at great risk. This is because your body’s stress response, commonly referred to as the fight-or-flight response, is like being on high alert. The phenomenon is a defense mechanism meant to protect you from harm, but in today’s hectic society, common everyday stresses can make you feel like you are always under attack. After a while, your mind and body can begin to wear down, and all aspects of your health can feel the effects, including your dental health.
The Relaxing Benefit of Smiling
A study involving 169 university students that trained them to smile while performing stressful tasks suggests that the act of smiling, especially when genuine, can help lower your anxious reactions to stressful situations. Because of smiling’s contagious effects on those around you, it can also help relieve a tense atmosphere, helping to diminish an important factor to daily stress. Improved social interactions, a more positive work experience, and a generally healthier attitude can all stem from a confident and constant smile.
Put Your Best Smile Forward with 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 your Astoria dentist by calling (718) 728-8320. We proudly serve patients from Astoria, Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the surrounding communities.
