Last week we started our list of benefits of smiling. Here is the second half of the list:
4. Smiling also reduces stress.
Studies show that smiling may help reduce symptoms associated with anxiety. When that smile signals to your brain that you’re feeling happy, your body will usually slow its breathing and heart rate.
Reducing stress can lower blood pressure, improve digestion and regulate blood sugar.
5. Smiling can help you get a new job.
In a study published in the December 2009 issue of the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, researchers found people were more likely to think that a person who smiles is likeable, confident, conscientious and stable.
6. You can’t laugh if you don’t smile.
Numerous studies have shown the health benefits of laughing, including how it acts like a mini workout that burns calories and works the abs. Laughter also helps blood flow, lowers blood sugar levels, reduces stress and improves sleep.
It also may raise the level of infection-fighting antibodies in the body, which helps boost your immune system.
Why does any of this matter? Because these are all reasons to encourage patients to smile, and they won’t smile if they are unhappy with their teeth.
Remember, you are not providing implants, dentures, veneers, crowns teeth whitening or even healthy teeth. You are providing outcomes, like a smile your patients can be proud of. All of those other things are just methods for getting there.