All smiles are contagious and possess gratifying qualities that yield emotional responses. When you smile, you invoke a sense of sociability, resulting in favourable first impressions of you. They also elicit a sense of recompense when we receive them from others.
The release of dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin upon experiencing a smile boosts immunity, relieves pain, lowers the heart rate, and transforms your outlook on stress inducing conditions. Whether faced with a crinkly genuine smile or a halfhearted one, they are bound to garner a mental response. Smiling on your own also immediately elevates the mood and counteracts stress, thanks to the release of mood enhancing neurotransmitters.
In a “Duchenne smile”, which a genuine smile is known by – the major zygomatic muscles pull corners of the mouth upwards (resulting in a toothy smile) while the orbicularis oculi muscles form pouches under the eye. These movements induce changes in brain activity, creating a happier vibe. These facial movements also make the face appear friendlier.
According to research studies published in Psychological Science, recruiting facial muscles in a fake smile generally associated with a genuine “Duchenne” smile mimics similar results in relaxing the mind and combating stress.
However, not everyone enjoys smiling. Most people do not feel confident enough to smile on their own. This is due to poor conditions of their teeth. Additionally, indifferent attitudes towards cleaning habits lead to tooth decay, gum disorders, and tooth loss, which substantially effects the quality of life. Neglected teeth are linked to poor mental health, and limited psychosocial behaviour in some people.
Studies show that good teeth greatly impact confidence levels while aligned teeth are associated with higher aesthetic qualities. Individuals with prior orthodontic treatments consider their smiles more aesthetically pleasing while 96% of surveyed individuals by the AACD thought whiter smiles make people more attractive.
The unaesthetic appearance of bad teeth reduces self-esteem – especially in young adults. Broken smiles also adversely impact employment opportunities. Stress, disturbed sleep, psychological insecurities, and anxiety are just the tip of the iceberg. Bad oral health is notorious for contributing towards bone diseases and diabetic conditions as well, further adding to the stress in our lives.
Although the neuropeptides released from smiling relieve stress, misaligned or stained teeth keep people from indulging in this act. Almost 18% of individuals suppress their smiles due to terrible dental appearances while 1 in 5 American adults report anxiety due to deteriorating mouth conditions; and 38% of young adults agree that it impacts quality of life and leads to dissatisfaction. Most Americans skip out on regular dental visits due to cost factors. Unfortunately, rising healthcare expenses, coupled with inflation have reduced the affordability of dental treatments for many socio-economic classes.
Adopting healthy oral care routines, investing in oral hygiene products, and a good dental plan could be your first step towards stress-free life. Along with maintaining a frequent brushing habit, you should visit your dentist regularly.
Orchard Scotts Dental Clinic in Singapore offers a suite of signature aesthetic dental treatments to help with your smile makeover. In addition to the non-invasive Invisalign treatment, we also offer dental implants as well as gummy smile treatment among others.
Contact now for an appointment and get ready to smile your stress away!
To contact us to know more about how you can improve your oral health, achieve a perfect smile for your well being, contact us:
Call: +65 6732 9939
Email: enquiry@orchardscottsdental.com