What Are the Emotional Advantages of Smiling? | Roselle IL Dentist

We have witnessed a number of changes in the last few years that have turned our world upside down. Human connections have become more difficult due to social distance limitations. When we yearned to connect more with our friends and family, it was the little things that got us through tough times. An innocent smile can create a cascading ripple effect of joy throughout a group of people. We live in a world where smiles are contagious. Even though a smile can make someone feel happy, what does it do for the person who provides it?

Taking a moment to smile at someone in public can have emotional benefits.

Improves mood and reduces stress

When you smile, your facial muscles shift upward, revealing the front of your teeth. It’s hard not to smile when you see someone else smile. When you show your teeth through a smile, there is also magic happening behind the scenes through your emotions. When you smile, you relieve stress and release negative emotions.

When you smile, your brain releases endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine. Each of these factors has a direct impact on our stress levels and mood. Try smiling more throughout the day if you are dealing with anxiety or negative emotions. It can improve your mood and reduce stress, even if you have to force it initially. Over time, smiling will help you slowly let go of negative thoughts as your mood improves.

It keeps you upbeat

When you’re having a bad day, positivity is hard to find. By improving your outlook on life, smiling can help disrupt limiting beliefs. Smiling makes it difficult to focus on the negative aspects of things. If you are in the midst of a big life transition, such as a move or job change, try adding a few more smiles to your day. Injecting positivity into these scary or intimidating events will boost your confidence. Is there someone you know who sometimes struggles to stay positive? Make them smile and see what a difference it makes.

Obtain happiness and longevity

Our physical bodies can be negatively affected by emotional stress over time. Have you ever had a migraine caused by stress? Your body reacts physically to emotional stress. When we smile, we feel a jolt of happiness for a moment. We are likely to be happier throughout the day if we smile more often.

Practicing a consistent habit of smiling more can create a relaxed lifestyle for someone. Stress-induced illnesses and injuries are less common in people who experience less stress. By living a happier life, they are likely to live longer.

Make happiness a priority

Life is too short not to enjoy it to the fullest. Show off your healthy teeth and smile to prioritize happiness in your life. By doing this, you can not only feel happier but also spread happiness. Adding more smiles to your day can have multiple emotional benefits. When you get the chance, don’t be afraid to show your vulnerability and smile.

We are here to assist you with all of your oral health needs. Make an appointment with Westlake Dental Care of Roselle today to ensure that you always have a beautiful smile to show off to others. 

Westlake Dental Care of Roselle
Phone: (630) 980-6762
1260 W Lake St Roselle, IL 60172

Plaque is Your Teeth’s Biggest Enemy | Roselle IL Dentist

You are likely to hear the word “plaque” when purchasing a toothbrush, toothpaste, or visiting our dental office. Due to plaque buildup, it is extremely important to maintain a daily oral hygiene routine that includes brushing twice a day for at least two minutes, as well as flossing regularly. Find out how plaque can harm your smile and what you can do to prevent it.

Plaque—what is it?

If you haven’t brushed your teeth for a while, you might feel a film-like, sticky buildup. Essentially, it is plaque, which is a layer of bacteria that adheres to your teeth. Plaque cannot be prevented, but brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits can minimize its accumulation.

What does plaque look like?

Although plaque is technically colorless, it gives your teeth the appearance of being “fuzzy.” Due to its sticky nature, plaque may cause some discoloration because it can attract food particles. As plaque hardens and becomes yellow, it is referred to as tartar.

How are plaque and tartar different?

Plaque that remains on your teeth for several days hardens into tartar, which must be removed. When tartar builds up in your mouth, your teeth may appear yellow and smell unpleasant, making it difficult to thoroughly clean your mouth.

The Effects of Plaque on Your Teeth and Mouth

Without regular brushing and flossing, plaque accumulates and multiplies. Leaving plaque untreated can lead to the formation of tartar (also known as calculus). In addition, plaque produces an acid that damages teeth, causing them to decay. Your teeth may become stained if tartar is left untreated. Plaque is the main cause of gingivitis, which results in swollen, red, or bleeding gums. By having regular dental cleanings and examinations, you can ensure that any buildup on your teeth is thoroughly removed.

Here are some steps you can take.

Plaque buildup can be prevented by maintaining a daily brushing routine. It is recommended that you brush twice a day for two minutes each time, and floss once a day at the very least. The formation of plaque is a natural process, and when you visit our office for a complete examination, we work with you to remove any buildup. It is critical to maintain regular visits to our office in order to minimize and manage tartar buildup. Brushing your teeth all the way to the gum line is particularly important because the gum line is prone to plaque build-up. It is important to brush gently, as vigorous brushing will only cause more harm than good, especially to the gums.

We invite you to schedule a visit to our office so our experienced, professional dental team can clean and examine your teeth providing you with the healthy smile you deserve. Contact Westlake Dental Care of Roselle today.

Westlake Dental Care of Roselle
Phone: (630) 980-6762
1260 W Lake St Roselle, IL 60172