May is National Smile Month!   

Smiles come easy when we are happy and feeling great. It shows our happiness, our joy, excitement, and contentent. But we all have those days where that frown just doen’t want to turn upside down. It just isn’t natural to want to smile when we are sad, feeling sick or angry. But – did you know that smiling is just what you should do when you’d like to be in a happier mood?

Studies have shown that if you smile “on purpose” it can trick your brain into feeling actual happines or amusement. And if you’re feeling happier by faking a smile, this will lead to you being genuinely happy – it may even elevate the mood of those around you. Countless studies have confirmed that a smile is considered atractive to others around us. Further, there are links between smiling and one’s good health, longevity as well as our general short and long term well-being.

If you still don’t feel like smiling here are more reasons Dr. Joy Lunan says you should:

**It makes you more attractive ~ No one wants to be near someone who is scowling or looking negative. Instead use the power of a smile to draw people towards you. 

**It relieves stress ~ Stress has a tendency to take over and it can really show on our faces. It can make us look tired, overwhelmed and run down. Smiling can prevent this tired out look as well as reduce stress.

**It boosts your immune system ~ The act of smiling helps our immune system to function more effectively, therefore boosting our overall health. Smiling releases neurotransmitters in our brain that helps us to feel relaxed which helps our immune system as well. So instead of just washing your hands this flu season why not try smiling a little more. :)

**It makes you feel good ~ Studies show that smiling realeases endorphines, natural painkillers and serotonin. These three things make us feel good all over by elevating our mood, relaxing the body and reducing physical pain. Smiling is a natural drug.

**It makes you look younger ~ Not only does a smile make you more attractive, it can also make you look more youthful. When we lift our faces to form a smile we appear younger. So skip the facelift and just smile.

**It helps you stay positive ~ Even during times of stress, try smiling. It’s hard to focus on negative thoughts while smiling because it puts our brain into a “life is good” mode. Try this test to stay away from depression or worry.

If your smile isn’t as bright and sparkly as you’d like, and you live in the Middlebury, CT area, why not call Dr. Joy Lunan’s dental office and treat yourself to an easy and effective in-office or at-home Zoom teeth whitening treatment. You’ll be glad you did. Call us today – 203-598-7920   Check out our reviews.