We all smile when we hear something funny, when we’re happy, and sometimes we even fake it when we meet someone new. But a smile is much more than an expression. It can actually help keep you healthy. At my El Paso dental office, we want to talk about the powerful benefits of smiling and why you should do it more.
It’s All About the Endorphins
Endorphins are chemicals in your brain that, when released, create a feeling of happiness. This release is caused by movements in the facial muscles, like smiling. Not only do these powerful neurotransmitters cause us to feel happy, they’re also our bodies’ natural pain killer. This may be where the expression “laugh off the pain” comes from, because it really can work.
Smiling Kills Stress
Endorphins not only help the happy come out, they also squash stress and anxiety. When we’re stressed, our bodies produce more of the hormone cortisol. Cortisol makes us feel all the unpleasant emotions we experience when stress levels are high. Endorphins actually help lower cortisol levels, killing stress.
Boost Your Immune System
One of the biggest ways smiling works in keeping you healthy is by boosting your white blood cell count. Smiling helps our bodies create more white blood cells which then fight off germs and bacteria.
Go Ahead, Get Smiling
As we’ve learned, smiling is a pretty magical thing that can help in so many ways. If you’re not smiling enough throughout the day, try some of these tips to help you get all of the benefits a smile brings.
Watch a funny movie. Laughing brings a simple smile to a whole other level and boosts the health benefits. Pop in your favorite chuckle-inducing classic and cackle away.
Fake it till you make it. Your brain doesn’t know the difference between a fake smile and real one. And guess what? A fake one still provides health benefits. So turn the frown upside down and feel the happy.
Be around people who make you happy.Spending time with those who make us laugh or bring us joy is bound to be smiling-inducing.
If you’re not smiling more because you’re embarrassed by your teeth, give my El Pasodental office a call. We can help get you a smile you’re confident about through several cosmetic dentistry options. We’ll talk about your ideal smile and how we can make it a reality so you can smile wide and enjoy the health benefits.
Welcoming new patients from El Paso,Las Cruces, and Cloudcroft.
He was excellent and pulled my wisdom tooth in less than 2 min. w/o chipping it. The service was good too.
Great dentist experience! While they do take my insurance, unfortunately, they are not part of my network, however, I liked them so much I will continue to see them.
We were very impressed with the helpful and friendly staff at this dental office.
I was very impressed and thankful with the service provided.
I’m 60 years old and I hated to go to the dentist, and put off going for a long time. But let me tell you Dr. Rizk is the best dentist I’ve ever had. I would of gone years ago. A no pain Dr. – thank you!
It seems like everything nowadays is smart. Smartphones, smartwatches, and now, even smart toothbrushes. From tracking how long you brush to making sure you’re using the right pressure, smart toothbrushes promise a high-tech approach to better oral hygiene. But does the added cost of these devices really offset how much... Read More...
During cold and flu season, many of us are searching for ways to stay healthy. One of the best strategies that may surprise you is maintaining proper oral hygiene! The truth is that your mouth plays a significant role in your overall health, and taking care of your teeth and... Read More...