You’re not alone if you’re feeling frustrated by aesthetic dental concerns, such as stubborn stains, chips and cracks, or mild misalignments. Every year, patients spend billions of dollars on cosmetic procedures that enhance their smiles and boost their confidence.
But did you know upgrading your grin may also have associated health benefits? Once you finally have the perfectly flawless teeth you’ve always dreamed of, you’re more likely to want to show it off, which can have several advantages. Continue reading to learn more about 3 excellent reasons to smile more!
Benefit #1: Reduce Stress Levels
Did you know that your body reacts to stressors by preparing a fight, flight, freeze, or fawn response? When you’re triggered by a real or imagined threat, your systems are flooded with stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, that affect practically every organ. For instance, your heart rate accelerates, your blood pressure rises, your muscles tense, and “non-essential” functions in the heat of the moment, such as digestion, slow or halt entirely.
Thankfully, you can help calm your body down by deliberately lifting the corners of your mouth. Smiling, whether genuine or forced, triggers the release of endorphins, which lift your mood, ease pain, and soothe your stress response.
Benefit #2: Boost Your Immune System
Your body’s stress response is intended to be a short-term solution for addressing or escaping immediate danger, but if you’re like many others, you might suffer from more chronic or long-lasting tension, which can have a detrimental impact on your general well-being.
For example, you are more likely to experience trouble sleeping, chronic fatigue, and a weakened immune system, which can make it harder to fight off infections, such as gum disease. Meanwhile, the feel-good chemicals like serotonin and dopamine are natural antidepressants and mood-stabilizers that can also help boost your body’s defenses.
Benefit #3: Extend Your Lifespan
Many people don’t realize that chronic stress can speed up cellular aging and raise the risk of developing fatal chronic illnesses, which can potentially shorten your lifespan. This is partly because stress hormones that flood your system contribute to inflammation and cell damage that impedes your body’s ability to repair itself, increasing the risk of heart problems, type 2 diabetes, and other medical conditions.
But the positive effects of smiling, such as lowered blood pressure, enhanced immunity, and improved mood, can help you resist illness and potentially live longer.
If you are eager to address dental flaws and upgrade your grin, your dentist can help devise a customized treatment plan based on your unique circumstances during your cosmetic consultation.
About the Practice
Patients at Dentistry By Canyon Creek benefit from a team of providers who are passionate about helping families and individuals build and maintain beautiful, healthy teeth and gums. Dr. Kyle, Dr. Ben, and Dr. Folks collaborate to provide a comprehensive menu of services, including cosmetic procedures, using advanced technology to deliver accurate, long-lasting results. They take the time to learn about your unique goals and concerns, then devise a treatment plan tailored to meet the unique needs of people of all ages. You can request an appointment on the website or call (972) 379-8693.