Can smiling help you live seven years longer? Researchers at Wayne University studied old photographs of baseball players to see. According to their results, non-smiling players lived an average of seventy-three years, while those who smiled a little bit added two years to the average. Players who flashed a teeth-filled, wide smile lived an average of eighty years.
We can’t promise seven more years to your life, but the Murray Dental group can help you create a beautifully healthy smile. Here are some healthy reasons to smile more…
1. Endorphin Power
Not only does a smile reflect happiness, it can actually produce happiness. Studies show that flashing a wide smile releases powerful positivity hormones in our body. Known as endorphins, these naturally produced chemicals can reduce pain, help us relax, and boost our mood.
2. Chocolate Replacement
While many people eat sweets to boost their mood, these foods also tend to boost your waistline. Believe it or not, the British Dental Health Foundation reports that a big smile can produce the same emotional lift as eating 2,000 bars of chocolate. (Maybe we could smile big while eating a chocolate bar for an exponential mood boost.)
3. Stress Reliever
According to a psychological study by researchers at the University of Kansas, smiling during a stressful task led to a reduction in heart rate and quicker stress recovery following the challenge. Add to that the relaxation benefits of endorphins and serotonin released during smiling and watch your stress melt away with each grin.
4. Immunity Boost
Serotonin released during smiling is a neurotransmitter that provides a boost to the immune system. It also helps the body resist the health effects of stress, enabling more complete function to ward off potential health challenges.
5. Heart Healthy
Smiling feeds happiness and happier people tend to have healthier bodies. According to researchers at Columbia University, happier people are less likely to develop heart disease and other cardiovascular issues. Smile big and your heart will thank you.
If you are uncomfortable with your smile, our team would love to help with quick and easy teeth whitening treatment options or more advanced cosmetic solutions. Isn’t it time you added a little more smiling to your life? Contact the Murray Dental group today to see how we can help you have a smile you’ll love to share.
