Six Ways To Success From Smiling

It’s the number-one command when having your picture taken: Smile! Of course, some people tell you to “say cheese,” but it essentially means the same thing. So, you obey by gearing up your gums and flashing your best grin.

There are people who choose not to smile, for a variety of reasons, but as it turns out, that might not be the best idea. Did you ever wonder why smiling is so important? Scientifically, there’s a lot to be said about it.

Part mental, part physical, here’s 6 reasons why smiling is in your best interest.

6) You’ll look successful. People who smile often are seen as more competent and cooperative, while those who smile less are seen as withdrawn. Smiling also gives you a perceived air of success, which makes people trust you more.

5) It helps you banish the negative. When you smile, your brain keeps track of it. You’ve heard that it takes five positive thoughts to negate a negative thought. Well, the more you smile, the more positive thoughts you’ll rack up to keep the negatives ones away.

4) Smiling can reduce your anxiety. There are many people that suffer from anxiety, but you can smile your way through it. In studies, even a fake smile made people feel less anxious. Fake it until you make it; or at least until you feel better.

3) You’ll improve your concentration. When you’re in a better mood, you have better focus. Positive emotions can increase cognition and your attention to detail. Smiling also broadens your perception, allowing you to see the bigger picture.

2) Happiness will be yours. Your moods and feelings are influenced by your facial expressions. People who smile more (even if it’s fake) report greater feelings of happiness. People who smile less report an overall dissatisfaction. Next time you’re in a bad mood, try smiling and see what happens.

1) Smile and the world smiles with you. It’s more than just a catchphrase! Smiling is contagious; when you smile at someone, you’ll notice that they’ll usually smile back. And since smiling causes all of the benefits above, consider it your way of paying it forward.

If you find yourself avoiding a smile, or covering it up when you accidentally do, there might be a bigger problem. Many times, it has to do with the appearance of your teeth, and tooth discoloration is the number-one reason for smile avoidance.

Thankfully, we have ways to get your teeth whiter so you can smile brighter. At Community Dental Group, we know the importance of a beautiful smile. Professional cleaning can remove deep-down stains and whiten your teeth by several shades. Don’t let the benefits of a flashy grin pass you by.