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Act of smiling

The act of smiling is universal and beneficial. Share your beautiful smile and make a positive difference in your life and others’.

What’s in a smile? A lot, evidently! From looking great to feeling good, the simple act of smiling provides benefits worth the conscientious effort. And here are some fascinating facts, with proof, to encourage you to smile, smile, smile!  

The Act of Smiling is Universal

No matter where you are in the world, smiling is understood and accepted as a display of happiness and good nature. It is a universal means of communication that anyone of any nationality can understand.  

The Act of Smiling is Expressed Differently

According to Paul Ekman, an American psychologist who studies human emotions and facial expressions, we express different types of smiles in different types of situations. A researcher at UC San Francisco identified 19 different types of smiles. But all 19 different types fit into polite “social” smiles or sincere “felt” smiles. Social smiles use fewer muscles than sincere “felt” smiles. Duchenne smiles are considered to be genuine smiles and are the only type of smiles that create positive effects. This type of smile engages the muscles in your mouth, cheeks, and eyes. Babies can smile. According to research and ultrasound evidence, babies smile in utero and immediately after they are born, even babies born blind. But they smile two different types of smiles: automatic and social. Automatic smiles are a result of “pleasurable physical sensations” (falling asleep, resolving gas, or eating). The first few days after they are born, babies smile an automatic smile typically. Social smiles are a result of facial recognition. When a baby recognizes Mom or Dad or sees their favorite toy, they smile a social smile. But social smiles don’t usually appear until a baby is about two months old.  

The Act of Smiling Changes Your Mood

If you’re not feeling good or trying to deal with difficulty, smile! Smiling can change your mood, improve your attitude, and thus, the way you feel. And smiling is contagious! Start smiling and others will join you. And you know what that means? Others’ moods, attitudes, and the way they feel will change, too. That’s pretty powerful, don’t you think?  

The Act of Smiling Makes You More Attractive

When you smile often, you are generally happier which makes you attractive to others. Others will want to be with you because your smiles help them feel happier, too. And because the act of smiling conveys happiness, approachability, and confidence, you’re more likely to be promoted at work.  

The Act of Smiling Encourages a Longer and Happier Life

The simple act of smiling can help you live longer. How? Smiling relieves stress, lowers blood pressure, boosts your immune system, and releases endorphins and serotonin. According to recent studies, smiling has the power to reduce stress and increase your ability to deal with difficult situations. When you’re stressed, it shows in your face. But when you smile, you look better. You don’t look as tired or as worn down as you might really feel. And it lowers your blood pressure. Since smiling decreases stress levels and lowers blood pressure, it also boosts your immune system and helps you relax. And decreasing stress levels increases white blood cell count and releases beneficial antibodies that help fight infection and disease. That means smiling may protect you from catching the common cold. You feel better when you smile because smiling and laughing releases endorphins (natural pain relievers) and serotonin. This forces you to breathe deeper, increases your ability to cope with those difficult situations, and gives you a calmer outlook. So if you’re having a bad day or you’re sad, smile. You’ll improve your mood and feel happier.  

The Act of Smiling in Women, Men, and Children

Studies have found that women smile more often than men but children tend to smile more than adults. Children smile up to 400 times a day. Adults smile only about 20 times per day. But children have fewer responsibilities than adults do and less to worry about.  

We Want to Make You Smile!

Surprised? Who knew the act of smiling could be so powerful and so beneficial? We dare you to put one or more of these fun facts to the test and then share your results with us in the comments below. Our goal is to help you achieve and maintain beautiful, healthy smiles you can be proud of, smiles you want to share with the world! Contact us at (307) 634-3488 for a lifetime of beautiful, healthy smiles.


Quality Dental Care for Your Whole Family

3249 Sparks Road

Cheyenne, WY 82001

(307) 634-3488

Open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm