Just the act of smiling alone can positively influence your life. It can make you look more confident, which can lead to healthy relationships and better career opportunities. Smiling at someone else can improve their day, too! Putting a smile on your face can also have real physical affects on your brain and body. It can improve your mood and help decrease the negative effects that stress can have on your overall health. If the appearance of your smile is making you less confident about smiling, it may be time to do something about it. Your orthodontic team in Fort Worth, Texas can help discuss your options for straightening your smile.
Releasing Dopamine
The movement of the muscles it takes to smile is linked to a part of the brain that releases neuropeptides, nerve proteins that communicate to each other throughout your body. The act of smiling releases some of the “feel-good” chemicals in your brain like serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins. The presence of these chemicals can decrease stress in your body by lowering your heart rate and blood pressure. Even faking a smile can lead to a release of these chemicals, which can give you an instant way to improve your mood.
Reduced Stress = Better Health
Smiling more and the resulting chemical releases can lower cortisol, the stress chemical, in your body. When cortisol is present, your body can shut down processes of your body not needed in a crisis, such as digestion. Ultimately, when your body is a stress mode, your heart rate can become elevated, your blood sugar levels can go unmonitored, and your health can be put at risk. By smiling more and decreasing the amount of cortisol in your body, you can improve your overall health. It can even help boost your immune system – so, smile more!
Do you smile enough?
We can help you feel more confident about smiling. To schedule your consultation call Lake Country Orthodontics at (817) 236-7846. Located in Ft. Worth, TX, our office proudly serves patients who live in White Settlement, North Ft. Worth, Springtown, Rome, Haslet, Azle, Saginaw, and all surrounding communities.
