Why our smile is our superpower
*Updated April 2021
With comic books and movie adaptions making up a large part of modern entertainment, it’s easy to wonder about having superpowers. While many wish for super strength or the ability to fly, what many folks don’t realize is that they already have a superpower right under their nose: a smile.
Smiles connect us with people and help us express ourselves. Our smiles also house our mouth and teeth, which allow us to get the vitamins and minerals we need to stay healthy.
In honor of Smile Power Day on June 15th, we’ve compiled a few fun facts about our grins to help you celebrate.
Smiles Lead to Positive Mental Attitude
A recent study conducted by Delta Dental revealed that 53% of adults believe their smile impacts their overall success. 70% think their grin effects a first impression. Whether true or not, these numbers speak to the power a smile has over the way adults perceive themselves and others.
When meeting new people, 67% of respondents felt that quality oral health makes them feel confident. While this may seem to be a coincidence, scientists have confirmed that facial expressions do have an impact, albeit minor, on personal feelings.
Communicating with our Smiles
But it doesn’t take a scientist to tell you that we can determine someone’s mood by their facial expressions. For example, a genuine smile could mean that someone is happy, friendly, or feeling well. But smiles are also a social tool; most of the smiles we produce are primarily made for others. These smiles serve the purpose of nonverbal communication, or expressing something without using words.
Think about your own smiles. You’re sure to have different ones. Perhaps when you laugh it’s different from when you recall a fond memory or tell an embarrassing story. How does this compare to when you pass a person on the sidewalk or return a hello to someone unfamiliar? Do you smile when someone smiles at you? If so, that means they’re contagious!
Healthy Smiles = Healthy Bodies
It should come as no surprise to you that healthy foods are required to keep your teeth in tip-top shape and the rest of you healthy. That means avoiding sugary foods and instead eating a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, protein foods, calcium-rich foods, and whole grains.”
Combine good nutrition with a quality oral health routine. Remove plaque and debris from your teeth on the regular by brush and flossing, and your mouth and body will thank you because there’s a strong connection between your oral and overall health.
So, while you may not think much about your smile, it certainly has some power. Think about your smile on Smile Power Day and consider showing it some extra love.Learn more about how to keep your smile happy and healthy.
