A SMILE is NEVER OUT of STYLE

The SURPRISING HEALTH BENEFITS of SMILING

We’ve got good news for you: smiling can actually improve your wellbeing and make you a happier, more confident person. A plethora of evidence reveals that it can not only boost one’s mood and brighten one’s outlook, but also produces a range of mental and physical health benefits that go well beyond the surface.

Naturally, the brighter the teeth, the brighter the smile. A recent study* of 2,000 UK adults showed that oral hygiene is important to 84% of us – but it also revealed that 68% are selfconscious about discoloured teeth, which can make us feel insecure and lead to us smiling less. This is where we can invest in solutions to help us to regain our confidence in our white smile, such as Colgate Max White Expert

Anti-Stain toothpaste.

RELIEVE STRESS

Too busy to squeeze in an hour of yoga? Perhaps try dedicating 30 minutes to an idea, activity or person that makes you happy instead – because studies have shown that the simple act of smiling can alleviate stress. The science goes that when we laugh or smile, our bodies release endorphins, which act as natural stress and pain relievers and help to counteract the negative effects of cortisol. That means smiling can not only reduce stress but also potentially improve your digestion, lower your blood pressure and help add years to your lifespan.

LIVE LONGER

Wayne State University researchers in the USA recently studied an old photo of a sports team and found that those who had been smiling in the shot had lived longer. The big smilers lived an average of 79.9 years; the partial smilers, 75 years; the non-smilers, 72.9. That’s a difference of seven years between the grinners and the grimacers. Which team would you rather be on?

BOOST CONFIDENCE

Research from the Oral Health Foundation shows that smiling can make you feel happier, which in turn has a positive impact on your behaviour and life choices. The Foundation’s CEO, Dr Nigel Carter, says: ‘A healthy smile can improve your confidence and help you to make friends or succeed in your career.’ So next time you’re due for a promotion, just remember to flash those pearly whites to increase your chances.

‘A healthy smile can improve your confidence and help you make friends or succeed in your career’