Smiles have the power to unite and to connect us. But did you know that there are some things you didn’t know about smiling that can make it even more appealing to let those pearly whites show? Here are some fun facts about smiling that might inspire you to share your beautiful one with those around you:
Fun fact #1: Smiling boosts your mood.
The simple fact of moving the muscles of your face into a smiling position releases powerful endorphins throughout your body, the feel-good hormones that lift your spirits. Not only are you able to connect with and lift up others, but you boost your own mood as well.
Fun fact #2: Smiling relieves your stress.
The act of smiling activates the release of powerful neuropeptides that work to fight off stress and relax the body. It can also reduce stress on the heart and lower blood pressure. In addition, smiling can reduce the stress of others by offering positive interactions that have an influence on their health as well.
Fun fact #3 Smiling tones up your face!
It takes fewer muscle contractions to smile than it does to frown; that fact alone should encourage you to smile more often. When we make different facial expressions, we are essentially transmitting a message of information that is read, received and interpreted by other people. Expanding and contracting the muscles of our face in different combinations allows us to communicate our emotional state, our feelings about our environment, and how we are perceiving our experience. When you consider the enormous implications of how our facial expressions can affect others, it might inspire you to smile in anticipation of helping others lift their mood as well.
Fun fact #4: Smiles are the easiest recognizable expression.
A smile travels the miles; people can recognize a smile at 300 feet, and it has the capacity to build connections and deepen relationships between people, whether they are known or not. A smile builds confidence and builds trust; it communicates that you are someone worth getting to know.
Fun fact #5: Babies are born with the ability to smile.
What a joyful event–viewing the innocent and gleeful smile of a child. Babies are born with the capability to smile, and one of the most amazing things about this ability is that it is within proper context!
Fun fact #6: Smiling is about more than teeth
A pleasing smile has to do with more than the whiteness and symmetry of your teeth. Although these things come into play when producing your best smile, having healthy lips and gums are also important. Lips and gums should be plump, light pink in color and not swollen. Keep all aspects of your smile gorgeous by practicing good oral hygiene; brush your teeth and gums regularly, and invest in a moisturizing lip balm to keep everything soft and supple.
Fun fact #7: There are special supplements made to enhance your smile.
There is a supplement for almost everything, isn’t there? You can take supplements that will enhance the look and feel of your smile. Specific vitamins aid in the development of healthy gums and strong bone that can contribute to your oral health. Vitamins and antioxidants that boost the immune system can also aid in improving your oral health. Make sure you take supplements as directed for best results.
With all of this goodness that you are capable of sharing with your beautiful smile, it’s time to open up and share it! Take pride in your smile, take care of your smile by practicing good oral hygiene, and spread your sunshine with the rest of the world!