Has anyone ever told you to be happy and smile when you are not in good spirits? Researchers say there’s good reason to smile even when you are not in a mood to do so. This is because science says the act of smiling can affect your overall body, lift your mood, boost your immune system and even lengthen your life.

As per Dr. Isha Gupta, a neurologist from IGEA Brain and Spine, a smile stimulates a chemical reaction in the brain and releases Dopamine and Serotonin. Dopamine is known to help increase our feelings of happiness, while Serotonin is associated with helping to manage stress. If the Serotonin or Dopamine levels are low, one can get depression and aggression. So, when you smile, these hormones increase and lift your overall mood. 

Besides, smiling affects our mood in many other ways as well: Here is how:

• Smiling is good for immune system health.

Smiling increases white blood cell production, which helps fight off our illness and supports recovery. 

• Smiling Reduces Pain

The chemicals released when we smile, like Endorphins, Serotonin, and other natural painkillers, can elevate our mood, make us feel good, help relax our body and reduce physical pain. 

• Smiling minimizes the effects of aging.

As we grow older, our skin elasticity changes, and we get fine lines, wrinkles, frown lines, etc. When we smile, the muscles involved in the process can affect our whole face and push back the effects of aging. 

• Smiling helps live longer.

When we laugh or smile, our body releases endorphins which act as a natural stress and pain reliever that reduce the effects of cortisol. A cheerful smile and a good belly laugh are great for the lungs, heart, and immune system, improve our digestion, regulate blood sugar, lower blood pressure, and thus help us live longer. Studies say those who smile often have lived an average of seven years more than people who do not smile.

We believe you have got enough reasons to smile more. Your Point Loma Dentist recommends you maintain your oral health and never feel inhibited to smile.

• Brush and floss your teeth regularly.
• Use fluoride toothpaste.
• Use an antimicrobial mouthwash.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Eat nutritious food.
• Limit the intake of colored beverages like coffee, wine, etc., to prevent tooth staining.
• Quit smoking.
• Visit your Point Loma Dentist for regular teeth cleanings and examinations at least once every six months. 

Point Loma Dentistry, located at 1635 Rosecrans St Ste A, San Diego, CA 92106, is an equipped dentistry that offers patients the best dental care services. For Dental Implants in San Diego CA, Root Canal, and more, call us at (619) 223-3811 and book a consultation.