Rockland County Dentist | Spring Valley NY Dentist | Bergen County NJ dentist Alan F. Pressman, D.M.D.

Smile!
Posted by Dr. Alan Pressman (dr.p.dmd) on Dec 17 2010
Blog >> 2010

‘Smile’ was originally the instrumental used by Charlie Chaplin in 1936.

The immortal Nat King Cole first recorded it in 1954.

The power of a smile is nearly immeasurable. Smiling and laughter promotes the release of endorphins (those “feel-good” hormones) similar to those released when working out.

There is an old adage that it takes more muscles to frown than to smile. In researching this, I have come across numerous studies that both verify this and discount it.

It seems that most studies agree it takes 40-50 muscles to frown and only about 13 to smile. Even though you burn more calories frowning, smiling is indeed healthier. (Top 10 Reasons to Smile) Frankly, I feel many scientists have way too much time on their hands. Not only does a smile help you, it also affects those around you. Smiling is contagious! Smiling people cause those surrounding them to smile as well. During an interview, a smiling applicant can be perceived as a ‘team player’ and easier to work with. Researchers at The University of California studied the marriage success and happiness of 21 year olds based on looking at senior yearbook photographs. (source) They found brighter, more intense smiles (Duchenne smiles) were happiest in their marriages, and scored highest on measures of overall psychological well-being.

Simply stated, people who smile tend to be more positive and more likely to be in successful relationships throughout their lives. Optimists have more robust immune systems than pessimists. So they can fight off diseases better. People who smile tend to take better care of themselves; they eat more sensibly and tend not to overindulge in food and drink. Optimists statistically live longer than pessimists.

Smiling people are more attractive than scowlers. Smiling lowers your blood pressure. Smiling lifts your facial muscles making one appear younger.

So according to the song…

‘If you smile through your fear and sorrow,

Smile and maybe tomorrow,

You’ll see the sun come shining through for you’

And you might live longer too!

What is your Favorite Musical Version of Smile?

Smile – Glee Covers: Lily Allen // Charlie Chaplin)

Smile – Jermaine Jackson covers MJ

Smile - Michael Jackson

Smile – Josh Groban

Smile – Robert Downey Jr.