Smiling is the Key to Good Health, Research Reveals
Most people associate a smile with happiness and confidence, but research claims that smiling and laughing could also hold the key to good health.
Scientific studies into the benefits of smiling and laughter have been conducted since the 1960s and the overwhelming message is that smiling and laughing are good for you. Clinical studies have suggested that laughing triggers a very positive effect in the body, with the release of endorphins and other chemicals, which make us feel happy and positive. Laughing also triggers the release of opiates and immune cells, which help to facilitate the immune response, reducing the risk of illness.
Laughing is also great exercise, especially for the muscles in the diaphragm and stomach and some studies have suggested that laughing also improves brain function by increasing the supply of oxygen to the brain.
A nice smile constantly tops lists and polls for most attractive features in a partner and a recent survey revealed that most people think you get further in life if you have an attractive smile. A healthy, radiant smile helps to boost self-confidence and create positive first impressions, which can be very beneficial in all areas of life.
With National Smile Month currently underway in the UK, now is the perfect time to think about how your smile affects your life. The national campaign, which is run by the British Dental Health Foundation and sponsored by Lloyds Pharmacy, Bupa, Oral-B, Wrigley’s and Listerine, among others, is designed to raise awareness of oral health and oral hygiene.
Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the BDHF, said that the campaign is a great way to remind people about the importance of looking after their teeth and gums.
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