Not Happy? Try Smiling More

Are you under the impression that smiling is an involuntary physical response to feeling happy? This would make sense. What if you reversed the equation, however? Believe it or not, the act of smiling can give you a release of endorphins in the brain that is similar to eating chocolate. So, instead of sinking deeper into feeling blue, Encinitas periodontist, Dr. Ann Kania, wants you to consider smiling more when life gets you down.

Fascinating Smile Studies

There have been many university studies on the power of smiles to predict the future successes and well-being of individuals. Here are a few:

• Researchers at Wayne State University compiled baseball cards to find out how the qualities in each player’s smile related to their longevity. Better, happier, healthier smiles correlated with longer lives.
• At UC Berkeley, yearbook photos were the focus for tracking the health, success, and quality of life reported by previous students. The more wide and natural a smile was on a graduate, the more success they were likely to have in marriage and career.
• Scientists in the United Kingdom instituted a study focused on the therapeutic effects of smiling. The power of one single smile from study volunteers elicited the same feelings of happiness you would feel if you were told you had won $25,000 in the lottery. Blood pressure was even lowered from smiling in this research.

Confident Smiles through Cosmetic Dentistry

A broad, natural, confident smile is attractive. If you’re not comfortable with the way your teeth look, however, you are likely to avoid smiling out of embarrassment. Since this can be detrimental to your health and success in life, attaining a smile you feel good about is very important. Current dental technology allows for a plethora of cosmetic procedures which can provide patients with a smile they want to show off. Dental implants, veneers, bonding, teeth whitening, and invisible braces like Invisalign, are common in cosmetic dental practices.

The Best Smile Possible in Encinitas

You can contact Dr. Kania by calling our office at (760) 642-0711. Located in the 92024 area, we proudly serve patients from Encinitas, San Diego, Rancho Santa Fe, Del Mar, La Costa, and the neighboring communities.