Smiling seems like one of those behaviors that you do without much thought, but it plays a big role in how good you feel. In fact, smiling offers several benefits for your emotional well-being. Learn more about these with the following facts on smiles, which can help you appreciate the importance of a healthy smile. 

1. Smiling Instantly Lifts Your Mood

Putting a smile on your face can boost your mood in moments. Studies on smiling show that it results in your brain releasing more endorphins, which are hormones that make you feel good. 

2. Smiles Bring Stress Relief

If you’re having a tough day, smiling can help ease stress and make you feel more relaxed. This can help prevent you from having headaches or experiencing other unpleasant physical effects of stress.

3. Smiling Gives Your Muscles a Workout

When you smile, you’re keeping anywhere from five to 53 muscles in your face busy. The more you smile, the more of a workout these muscles get. 

4. Smiling is Catchy

Smiling is considered a contagious expression. When you smile, people around you are more likely to smile as well. This can help you feel good about spreading cheer to family members, friends, acquaintances and even total strangers. 

5. Smiling Keeps You in Good Health

Smiling often has a positive impact on your immune system. When you smile, you’re giving your immune system a boost, which means you have a better chance of avoiding illnesses. In fact, studies have shown that smiling might help you live longer thanks to a stronger immune system. 

6. Smiles Aren’t All the Same

There are 19 different kinds of smiles that people show. Some of these fall into the category of polite smiles when you’re interacting with others, while others are known as genuinely happy smiles. Some of the different kinds include smiling when you’re embarrassed and loving smiles that you give to those you care about most. 

7. Smiling is Social

Although you might smile by yourself, such as when you watch your favorite show, people usually smile more often when they’re with others. This makes sense since smiling is known for being contagious. 

8. Babies are Born to Smile

Newborn infants have the ability to smile from the moment they’re born. They usually smile while they’re asleep at first, but these smiles start showing up more often as they get older. 

9. Smiling Affects Your Voice

What does smiling have to do with your voice? When you smile, you automatically sound friendlier. Keep this in mind when you’re talking with someone on the phone. Putting a smile on your face will help them know that you’re happy to talk to them. 

Keep your children’s smiles looking their best with routine dental cleanings and exams. Contact us at Wright Smiles Pediatric Dentistry to set up an appointment.