(By Dr. Joseph D. Lim and Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim, BS-MMG, DDM, MSc-OI)
SEVEN minutes. That’s all it takes to improve oral health.
The advice comes from an orthodontist, a dentist who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of misaligned teeth and jaws.
“It’s well known that smiling has numerous health benefits,” writes Luke Whelan in express.co.uk, the digital part of the Daily Express and Sunday Express, established in 1900 and among Britain’s most famous newspapers.
“Genuine and intense smiling, for example, has been linked with living a longer life in studies. As well as making us look less tired and more attractive, it’s also known to help with stress, which is known to increase the risk of heart disease, depression, diabetes, and more.”
But not everyone knows smiling might help to keep your teeth healthy too, Mr. Whelan points out.
He cites Dr. Khaled Kasem, the Chief Orthodontist at Impress, a dental practice with several clinics around the UK, saying how smiling can improve oral health.
“Our mouths are more damaged by stress than we might realize,” Dr. Kasem says. “The added tension it puts on your muscles can lead to involuntary teeth clenching or grinding, leaving you susceptible to jaw issues and a whole host of other problems.”
Teeth grinding your teeth or bruxism causes pain, headaches, and fractured teeth.
“Relax your mouth into a smile,” says Dr. Kasem.
According to the Mayo Clinic, smiling helps to reduce cortisol levels, the main “fight or flight” hormone released during stress. Cortisol helps the body react to threatening situations. However, over production of cortisol disrupts almost all of the body’s processes.
Smiling also helps to release endorphins, the natural chemicals that are responsible for creating feelings of relaxation, says Dr. Kasem.
So, smile.
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Dr. Joseph D. Lim, Ed. D., is the former Associate Dean of the College of Dentistry, University of the East; former Dean, College of Dentistry, National University; Past President and Honorary Fellow of the Asian Oral Implant Academy; Honorary Fellow of the Japan College of Oral Implantologists; Honorary Life Member of the Thai Association of Dental Implantology; and Founding Chairman of the Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail jdlim2008@gmail.com or text 0917-8591515.
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Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim, BS-MMG, DDM, MSc-OI, graduated Doctor of Dental Medicine, University of the Philippines, College of Dentistry, Manila, 2011; Bachelor of Science in Marketing Management, De la Salle University, Manila, 2002; and Master of Science (MSc.) in Oral Implantology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany, 2019. He is an Associate Professor; Fellow, International Congress of Oral Implantologists; Member, American Academy of Implant Dentistry and Fellow, Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail limdentalcenter@gmail.com./PN
