If you’re frustrated by stains on your teeth, you’re not alone. Seemingly everyone wishes they had a bright white smile, and your dentist can help make your dream a reality. In a single, hour-long appointment, they can potentially lighten your teeth by up to 10 shades! For those who are anxious about sitting in the dentist’s chair, many providers also offer take-home kits using professional-grade gels and customized trays for optimal application.
It’s natural to want to show off your newly upgraded grin if you’ve just had it whitened. Thankfully, smiling can benefit you in several different ways, so there are plenty of reasons to flash your pearly whites. Continue reading to learn about four of them!
Perk #1: Reduce Stress
If you’ve been feeling overworked or like you’re juggling several things at once, your exhaustion can reflect on your face. When there’s too much pressure on your shoulders, you’re more likely to look and feel drained and worn down.
Fortunately, lifting the corners of your lips can reduce stress, whether there’s genuine emotion behind it or not. It triggers a chemical reaction in your brain that releases feel-good hormones like dopamine and serotonin to fight anxiety. When you’re overwhelmed by everything happening around you, wearing a smile might be enough to elevate your mood.
Perk #2: Alleviate Pain
Did you know that grinning can potentially provide some well-deserved pain relief in addition to lowering stress? Forming a smile causes your brain to respond with neurotransmitters, like endorphins, in the central nervous system and pituitary gland. These hormones can relieve aches and give you a sense of well-being. The next time you’re frustrated by a headache or other issue, try laughing your way through the pain.
Perk #3: Lower Blood Pressure
Those who suffer from heart problems might be able to improve their condition by smiling more. Contracting the muscles of your face into a grin increases blood flow to your brain. This is because your heart briefly pumps faster and harder to deliver oxygen to your cells, especially if you’re giggling or guffawing. Then, your muscles relax just as suddenly as they are activated, which can reduce your heart rate and blood pressure.
Perk #4: Boost Immunity
If you’ve been fighting a stubborn cold that you can’t seem to kick, laughing more can potentially boost your immunity to finish it off. All the different hormones that are released into your body when your face forms a smile increase feelings of happiness. These directly combat stress chemicals like cortisol. Too much of this hormone in your system increases inflammation and leaves your body unable to fight off invaders, so you’re more likely to get sick. Lessening its impact can help you fight off bacteria and infections.
Because your body enjoys all these advantages when you smile, showing off your recently whitened teeth can have a positive impact on your overall well-being!
About the Practice
At Legacy Trails Dental of Plano, you benefit from a team of dentists who work together to offer a full range of services at one convenient location, including cosmetic dentistry. They know everyone’s circumstances are different, so they take the time to get to know your unique needs so they can provide fully individualized treatment plans. They want to make it easier for you to get the dental care you deserve, so they are open late during the week and have Saturday appointments available. If you want to lighten your teeth and need a consultation, you can request one on the website or by calling (214) 227-1000.