A Simple Smile Can Make a Big Impact

Published on August 11, 2016

smiling

Smiling is such a simple act. So simple that even babies do it while they’re still in the womb. Although effortless, smiling is actually a pretty powerful action. At my Spokane dental office, we know that the easy act of smiling can actually make quite an impact on your health and the health of others.

How Smiling Boosts Your Health

There’s a whole science behind what smiling does to our confidence, our happiness, and our overall well-being. When you smile, your body naturally produces antibodies and boosts white blood cells. These two things in combination with each other are key to a healthy immune system. Smiling also affects our brains, causing it to pump out more endorphins to make us feel happy, and serotonin to relax us.

How Smiling Helps Others

A smile is contagious. Numerous studies have shown that when humans see another person smiling, we experience a natural, subconscious reaction to smile back. So when we smile, those around us smile too and, as a result, reap all the health benefits of feeling happier and more relaxed.

Smiling is also universal — it knows no boundaries and there are no cultural or language barriers. It means the same thing in every country. It’s one thing we can use to help everyone around us, no matter where we’re from, what language we speak, or what background we’re from. That’s some pretty powerful stuff.

Don’t Like the Way Your Smile Looks?

If you’re one of those people who smiles with their lips tightly shut, or shies away from the camera altogether because you’re unhappy with your smile, cosmetic dentistry from your Spokane dentist can help. Cosmetic dentistry can:

Brighten discolored teeth through smile whitening

Fix chips or breaks with bonding

Enhance tooth shape or size with veneers

Keep your smile white with tooth-colored fillings instead of gray amalgam

Nobody should be afraid to smile. If you’re ready to learn more about how cosmetic dentistry can help you get a smile you’re proud to show off, call my dental office in Spokane to schedule a consultation today.

About The Author

Dr. Katherine M. Hakes is a well-rounded dentist committed to providing exceptional patient care. A fellow at the Academy of General Dentistry, she is an active member of several professional associations. Beyond her dental practice, she is passionate about giving back to the community, regularly participating in volunteer initiatives that promote access to dental care and reaching out to underrepresented youth interested in the dental industry.