No matter what language we speak, smiles are a universal symbol of joy and credibility in regards to non-verbal communication.
According to a study carried out in 2005, receiving an authentic, genuine smile can be better than receiving cash. “The powerful emotions triggered when someone important in our lives smiles at us and we smile back changes our brain chemistry. It creates what is termed a ‘halo’ effect that helps us remember other happy events more vividly, feel more optimistic, more positive, and more motivated,” says psychologist Dr. David Lewis, who evaluated these findings.
Additionally, the physical act of smiling has the power to decrease stress by releasing endorphins and a stress-managing hormone called Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor. Smiling also shows friendliness, sincerity, and confidence. In fact, employers are more likely to employ those who have bright, sincere smiles during the interview procedure than candidates whose smiles don’t convey sincerity.
But how do you know if a smile is truthful or not? The majority of people are able to spot this distinction when interacting with others. When people force a smile, it generally fails to reach their eyes and there is usually a lot of tension around the mouth. When a person smiles sincerely, it is called a Duchenne smile. This is when our cheeks are moved up by the lifting of the mouth’s corners, forming crow’s feet at the corners of our eyes.
It’s relatively fascinating; something as simple as a smile can produce a lot of positive impact on a person’s life. However, for some people, smiling is easier said than done. Some people may be reserved in regards to showing their natural smiles, such as those who struggle with dental complications, like tooth decay, missing teeth, or similar problems. Because of this, these individuals run the risk of being misconstrued as incompetent, mean, and unapproachable even when that isn’t the case.
At Olney Dental Center, Dr. Levine wants all of his patients to feel confident in their smiles. If you haven’t visited him lately, go ahead and schedule your next exam online or give the office a call!