Why We Should Smile More – The Science of Smiling
Did you know that children smile an average of 400 times a day whilst adults smile just 20 times? Interestingly, smiling is an inbuilt ability rather than a learned behaviour so why does this diminish, as we get older?
It seems that when it comes to smiling our adult worries and inhibitions often get in the way. In the UK, many of us our self-conscious about our teeth and quickly get out of the habit of smiling. However, studies have revealed that by remaining tight-lipped, we could be seriously losing out.
The benefits of Smiling
First and foremost, smiling makes us feel good. Even when we are feeling down, smiling can bring a noticeable lift to our mood. This increased feeling of positivity can help us to be more resourceful and productive.
Smiling also helps to make a positive first impression. If we have the confidence to flash a broad smile, it can help people to warm to us instantly. In a study conducted for Invisalign in the US, 88% of respondents said that they remember people with beautiful smiles. Smiling also helps to infer trust and encourages others to smile too.
Research has shown that smiling offers some positive health benefits. It can help us to reduce anxiety and stress, even lowering heart rate. In addition, it has been shown to strengthen our immune system by making our bodies produce white-blood cells that help fight off illness.
What happens in our body when we smile?
When we experience a positive situation, neurons travel from the cortex of our brains to the brainstem. The cranial muscles then carry the signal to the facial muscles, allowing us to smile.
However, the process doesn’t stop here. When the smiling muscles in our face contract, a positive feedback loop goes back to the brain reinforcing the good feelings. So we smile when we feel happy and we feel happy when we smile.
This means, that if we smile in the absence of something positive, we still experience euphoric feelings.
So how can we learn to smile more?
Becoming comfortable with our smile is the first step to smiling more and experiencing the benefits. Whilst there are a number of treatment options for improving your smile, conventional metal braces often prolong feelings of self–consciousness.
Invisalign gives people the confidence to smile both during and after their dental treatment. The system works using a series of aligners that gradually move your teeth towards their final position. Aligners are comfortable and removable, allowing for easy cleaning.
Invisalign aligners are also almost undetectable, allowing patients to carry on their lives without being self-conscious. What is more, the aligners do not affect or interfere with speech like many alternatives. The system can be used for a whole host of cosmetic dentistry issues, transforming your smile whilst easily fitting into your lifestyle.
They say that, ‘A smile is worth a thousand words’. However, smiling is also a quick and easy way to feel better, be healthier and improve your mood. So invest in your teeth, and learn to smile with confidence!