{"id":4937,"date":"2021-10-10T08:00:42","date_gmt":"2021-10-10T12:00:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.smilerestonheights.com\/?p=4937"},"modified":"2021-10-21T10:00:55","modified_gmt":"2021-10-21T14:00:55","slug":"world-mental-health-day-smile-psychology","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.smilerestonheights.com\/2021\/10\/10\/world-mental-health-day-smile-psychology\/","title":{"rendered":"World Mental Health Day: Smile Psychology"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Research confirms what many people already suspect: smiling is good for us. Psychologists report that smiling boosts your mood, stimulates your brain, and makes you appear more courteous. But these benefits require you to show off your smile, which can be difficult if you feel uncomfortable about your teeth\u2019s appearance. To resolve this dilemma, seek out\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/www.smilerestonheights.com\/cosmetic-restorative\/&amp;sa=D&amp;source=editors&amp;ust=1634768152767000&amp;usg=AOvVaw1jGtPyQtU83xhVqie16Bcx\">professional cosmetic dentistry services<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>People who live in and around Ashburn, VA, can turn to Smile Reston Heights for all their cosmetic and general dentistry needs. We are a family-friendly provider of oral care, complete with emergency dental services and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/www.smilerestonheights.com\/invisalign\/&amp;sa=D&amp;source=editors&amp;ust=1634768152767000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3Fln5oXBrfpTHr67wFeiEY\">Invisalign treatment<\/a>. We strive to provide flexible scheduling options and affordable care, which is why we offer an interest-free office payment plan. Visit our website today to learn about our practice or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/www.localmed.com\/offices\/eb51b335-faa8-4c02-8775-11779e2dd6b7\/widget\/?chrome%3D%26hidePartnerLogo%3Dtrue%26partnerId%3D%26referringWidgetId%3D10114d61-d47e-4d39-9838-eb5e3cca2e38%26scheduling%3Din_widget%26utm_campaign%3Dmodal_widget%26utm_content%3Dwebsite%26utm_medium%3Dwidget%26utm_source%3Dwww.smilerestonheighs.com%26patientStatusId%3Dnew%26reasonForVisitId%3D%26after%3D2021-10-05%26minDate%3D2021-10-05&amp;sa=D&amp;source=editors&amp;ust=1634768152768000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0SZED5kYfOL8gFuC6ce1f8\">schedule an appointment<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Below, we outline the benefits of smiling and suggest ways that you can enjoy them during World Mental Health Day:<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"h.sgslb9ev2hen\">What Is World Mental Health Day?<\/h2>\n<p>This year, October 10th is\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/www.who.int\/campaigns\/world-mental-health-day&amp;sa=D&amp;source=editors&amp;ust=1634768152768000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3sALpHxTeWjAHVDrB3wEW8\">World Mental Health Day<\/a>. It\u2019s an opportunity for organizations to raise awareness of pressing mental health issues and how to counteract them. Moreover, the day allows everyone to think about how they care for themselves and those around them.<\/p>\n<p>A\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/www.who.int\/campaigns\/world-mental-health-day\/2021&amp;sa=D&amp;source=editors&amp;ust=1634768152769000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3Y3oaPfq_O376f-3-vp-DG\">worldwide campaign event<\/a>\u00a0always takes place on Mental Health Day, which you may find interesting and supportive. Nevertheless, we suggest that you use this year\u2019s annual observance to consider how often you smile and how doing so benefits you.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"h.ckp7s8qrsnkg\">The Benefits of Smiling<\/h2>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.smilerestonheights.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/image2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.smilerestonheights.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/image2-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"cosmetic dentistry service result in Ashburn VA\" width=\"693\" height=\"462\" \/><\/a>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Smiling makes you appear younger and thinner<\/strong><br \/>\nWe have discussed the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/www.smilerestonheights.com\/2021\/08\/04\/the-importance-of-straight-healthy-teeth\/&amp;sa=D&amp;source=editors&amp;ust=1634768152770000&amp;usg=AOvVaw1b7EJPDtLzbLZezVktjrPn\">health benefits of straight, clean teeth<\/a>: better overall health, reduced risk of dental trauma, etc. On top of all that, showing off your smile makes you look healthier too.<\/p>\n<p>Research shows that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/www.psychologytoday.com\/us\/blog\/changepower\/201605\/the-9-superpowers-your-smile&amp;sa=D&amp;source=editors&amp;ust=1634768152770000&amp;usg=AOvVaw1vO6896p7fVgerH7oK4Mk6\">people perceive adults with happy smiles as younger and thinner<\/a> than\u00a0non-smilers. That said, be wary of plastering on a smile for the sake of your appearance. Doing so may lead you to ignore your mental state and suffer from untreated symptoms.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Smiling elevates mood and creates a sense of well-being<\/strong><br \/>\nIn addition to your appearance, smiling also enhances your mood. We might expect that\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/www.smilerestonheights.com\/2020\/11\/23\/6-benefits-you-could-enjoy-after-cosmetic-dentistry\/&amp;sa=D&amp;source=editors&amp;ust=1634768152770000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3_-w__wartq_5FRg9H4Z-1\">a bright smile boosts one\u2019s confidence<\/a>, but it goes further.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/www.psychologytoday.com\/us\/blog\/cutting-edge-leadership\/201206\/there-s-magic-in-your-smile&amp;sa=D&amp;source=editors&amp;ust=1634768152770000&amp;usg=AOvVaw1vo046HRgve4T8MeVj8RTX\">Smiling releases the body\u2019s \u201cfeel-good\u201d substances<\/a>: dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin. This effect is so potent that even a forced smile can improve your mood!<\/p>\n<p>That said, there\u2019s an important difference between forced smiling to improve mood and the same to please others. People can spot \u201cfake smiles,\u201d which tend to reflect poorly on the smiler. Instead, try smiling for yourself.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Smiling makes you seem courteous and competent<\/strong><br \/>\nIt makes sense that smiling can create the impression of courtesy. Yet research also indicates that it increases others\u2019 sense of your competency. This effect may tie into how we perceive confidence: a smile inspires more certainty than anxiety or sadness.<\/p>\n<p>No matter what, it\u2019s a good\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/www.smilerestonheights.com\/2020\/12\/14\/3-reasons-to-invest-your-in-teeth-whitening\/&amp;sa=D&amp;source=editors&amp;ust=1634768152771000&amp;usg=AOvVaw31359RCXwi48ffE-Slhs78\">reason to invest in a teeth whitening treatment<\/a>. However, similar to a \u201cfake smile,\u201d smiling at the wrong time can backfire. For instance, if you beat someone in a game, smiling at them can come across as smug.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Smiling is contagious<\/strong><br \/>\nFinally, a smile tends to be contagious. Much like yawning, smiling gets shared between individuals and parties. One person\u2019s good mood rubs off on others, and everyone can enjoy the mental boost.<\/p>\n<p>Nevertheless, a smile can mean different things in different cultures. In the former USSR, for instance, people perceived smiling as a naive or dim-witted habit. Thus, it\u2019s worth investigating how your smile may be perceived across the world.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"h.614t8bdzgqs3\">Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments Available for Ashburn, VA, Residents<\/h3>\n<p>This World Mental Health Day, take time to consider how you feel about sharing your smile with others. If the thought of doing so makes you uncomfortable, reach out to Smile Reston Heights for\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/www.smilerestonheights.com\/cosmetic-restorative\/&amp;sa=D&amp;source=editors&amp;ust=1634768152771000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0TibJOz535Qaj4WenKU3OX\">cosmetic dentistry services<\/a>. We provide a wide range of dental options to people throughout Ashburn, VA, and the surrounding region. Plus, we\u2019re committed to offering flexible options and a family-friendly environment. For details, call us today at\u00a0(703) 345-1100 or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/www.localmed.com\/offices\/eb51b335-faa8-4c02-8775-11779e2dd6b7\/widget\/?chrome%3D%26hidePartnerLogo%3Dtrue%26partnerId%3D%26referringWidgetId%3D10114d61-d47e-4d39-9838-eb5e3cca2e38%26scheduling%3Din_widget%26utm_campaign%3Dmodal_widget%26utm_content%3Dwebsite%26utm_medium%3Dwidget%26utm_source%3Dwww.smilerestonheighs.com%26patientStatusId%3Dnew%26reasonForVisitId%3D%26after%3D2021-10-05%26minDate%3D2021-10-05&amp;sa=D&amp;source=editors&amp;ust=1634768152772000&amp;usg=AOvVaw1cb8-3O44HBRQDRBMx2Zgo\">book an appointment<\/a>\u00a0online.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Research confirms what many people already suspect: smiling is good for us. Psychologists report that smiling boosts your mood, stimulates your brain, and makes you appear more courteous. But these benefits require you to show off your smile, which can be difficult if you feel uncomfortable about your teeth\u2019s appearance. To resolve this dilemma, seek<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4938,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[26],"tags":[141,140,30,143,139,142,144],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smilerestonheights.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4937"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smilerestonheights.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smilerestonheights.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smilerestonheights.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smilerestonheights.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4937"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/www.smilerestonheights.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4937\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4944,"href":"https:\/\/www.smilerestonheights.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4937\/revisions\/4944"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smilerestonheights.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4938"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smilerestonheights.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4937"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smilerestonheights.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4937"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smilerestonheights.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4937"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}