5 Random Facts About Smiling

It’s National Smile Month (May 19 – June 19), and the spotlight is on the UK’s teeth and gums. This massive oral health campaign by the British Dental Foundation aims to get everyone thinking about their oral health. The campaign has 3 key messages:

1. Brush your teeth for 2 minutes twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
2. Cut down on how often you have sugary foods and drinks
3. Visit your dentist regularly, as often as they recommend

A smile is a wonderful and powerful thing. Here are some interesting facts about smiling that may surprise you:

1. There are 19 different smiles

Research shows we have 19 different types of smiles. Some are “social” or “polite” smiles that use fewer facial muscles. But sincere smiles that we “feel” engage muscles on both sides of the face.

Source: reddit.com

2. We’re all born smiling

Babies have to learn lots of social behaviours. But smiling is one ability we’re all born with. Scientists believe that babies smile for real at around 4 to 6 weeks old. But all babies start smiling in their sleep from birth.

3. Smiling is a social activity

We smile more when we’re around other people. Smiling is contagious. So the saying, “smile and the world smiles with you” is rooted in fact.

Source: pleated-jeans.com

4. Smiling makes us live longer

Experts at Wayne University in Michigan, USA studied baseball cards and ranked players by their laughter lines and smiles. When compared to the lifespans of the players, they found that those with the biggest grins lived on average 7 years longer than the “non-smilers.”

Source: tugbishe.tumblr.com

5. Fake smiles makes us happy

We may get annoyed if someone tells us to “turn that smile upside down” when we’re not in the mood. But taking this advice will make us feel better. Psychologists found that forcing ourselves to smile boosts our mood.

Source: slightlyoddbutcharming.tumblr.com/post/42266366492

If you’d like information on how Bridge Dental & Implant Clinic can help you improve your smile, please get in touch.

Posted by Bridge Dental and Implant Clinic on 12th June 2014, under Uncategorized