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Are you confident in your smile? Do you feel self-conscious about showing your teeth because they are yellowing, crooked, or just not how you want them to look? You’re not alone. Millions of people have smiles that don’t make them feel happy. In turn, they smile a lot less or cover their mouths with their hands when they smile. But a confident smile has plenty of benefits!
You have seven seconds to make a first impression. People often report that a person’s smile is the first thing they notice when they meet someone. Therefore, a smile has a lot to do with a person’s first impression of us. If we are not confident in our smiles, people can tell. Positive first impressions can help us in school, relationships, and professional settings. Studies show that people who make positive first impressions at a job interview are offered more money than those who fail to make a lasting impression.
Just as living a healthy lifestyle can make your smile better, smiling can actually make you healthier as well. The act of smiling not only reduces stress hormones, but also increases mood-enhancing hormones like endorphins, and it helps to reduce blood pressure. Students at Wayne State University conducted a study during which they looked at pictures of more than 200 baseball players from before 1950. They divided the players into those who fully smiled, partially smiled, and did not smile. From there they researched when each person died and compared the average life spans. They found that those who did not smile, on average, lived 72.9 years whereas those who fully smiled lived 79.9 years on average. Smiling is good for you! Even if you have to fake it, smiling confidently can benefit you.
Your smile is a reflection of your health, mood, and personality. A healthy and confident smile says a lot about who you are as a person. People will see you as more approachable, more likable, and more competent. Those who are less confident in their smile or hide their smiles are seen as shy and hard to approach. Don’t let your lack of confidence in your smile allow you to miss out on all the fun! Let your smile show off who you really are.
If you are uncomfortable or less-than-confident with your smile, there are steps you can take. Proper dental care can help to take care of teeth, and cosmetic dentistry can help you improve the look of your teeth so you can have a smile you are happy to show off. Consult with your dentist at here at the DCC about any concerns you may have about your smile.
