We’re all aware that spring is officially smile season, right? The problem: You’re marriage is in a slump, you should have been promoted years ago, and you’re simply not feeling it! The solution? Flash the biggest smile that you can muster and be amazed by the benefits!

Ok, so a grin may not be able to solve all of life’s problems, but, smiling does provide a number of physical as well as psychological benefits. There are 44 muscles in your face which allow you to make more than 5000 different types of expressions, many of which are smiles. How often do you smile in a day? When you see friends? Around your co-workers?

Ask someone you trust to give you feedback on your facial expressiveness. If you don’t spend enough time in the “smile department”, consider these amazing reasons to flash your pearly whites every day.

• Smiling can prolong your life. A study by Wayne University in Michigan, using 230 photographs of baseball players from 1952, showed those who smiled lived the longest. The photos were separated into non-smiling, partially-smiling and full-smiling players. Straight faced players lived an average of 73 years, partial smilers lived an average of 75 years and the players with full blown smiles lived for an average of 80 years!
• Constant grinners are physically healthier. A smile will lower your stress-hormone levels. An article in the Journal of Science showed that when people mimic different emotional expressions, their bodies produce physiological changes that reflect the emotion, such as a change in heart and breathing rate. Amazing!
• Smiling will help you to de-stress. Next time you’re feeling stressed about work, take a deep breath and smile. This will reduce the symptoms of anxiety. When a smile signals to your brain that you are happy (even though you’re not …yet) your heart rate and breathing will slow down. Fake it till you make it! Reducing stress is so important; it can lower blood pressure, improve digestion and regulate blood sugar.
• Smiling makes you more creative. A 2013 study from the University of California, found that those who were happier had a more comprehensive approach to problems, improving their ability to think of more solutions than their negative minded counterparts.
• Smiling is a natural drug. Studies have shown that smiling releases endorphins, natural pain killers and serotonin.
• Look happy, look younger. This may be the only anti-ageing prescription you’ll ever need! Ever wondered why we are always asked to smile in photos? Because people look their best, and happiest, when they’re smiling.
• Smiling makes you feel successful and confident; making you more likely to be approached and promoted. Put on a smile at meetings and people will react to you differently.
• Smiling equals teamwork. This is good news for grinners with goals to achieve.
• Smiling is the ultimate mood booster; it tricks the body.
• Smiling is contagious. “When you’re smiling, the whole world smiles with you”. Ever heard that song made famous by Louis Armstrong? Well, it’s true. Crazy, right?
We’ve put together a list of top tips for good oral health to keep you smiling:
• Brush your teeth 2-3 times a day. Brush for at least 2 minutes and make sure that you’re covering all areas of your mouth.
• Replace your toothbrush every 3 months.
• Don’t sip on soda or eat sweets throughout the day. Make sure to brush your teeth afterwards or at least rinse your mouth with water after indulging.
• Floss at least once a day.
• See your dentist twice a year. Having tartar and calculus removed professionally, as well as having a full dental exam, helps to prevent further problems.
• Include fruit, vegetables and dairy in your daily diet.
• Use mouthwash daily.
• Quit smoking. Cigarettes will not only turn your teeth into an unsightly shade of yellow but tobacco chemicals can lead to oral cancer.
• Avoid food and drink that will stain your teeth. Coffee, red wine, black tea and cigarettes are the worst culprits.
• Use a mouth guard if you play sports to protect your teeth, lips, and tongue from injuries.

Isn’t it time to turn that frown upside down? Now say “cheese”.

Source: www.nationalsmilemonth.org, www.webmd.com, www.buzzfeed.com, www.fanpop.com, longevity.about.com, www.sparkpeople.com, www.everydayhealth.com, www.huffingtonpost.com, rusnakfamilydentistry.com

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.