It has been scientifically proven that kids feel better when they smile. This is because smiling and laughing provide so many benefits to your overall health, especially during children’s formative years. Having a healthy, white, and straight smile is important at any age, but it can really have major benefits for children. Below you will find more information on why smiles are important for kids.
Why Smiles Are Important for Kids
Smiling is associated with joy and happiness. Your mental health and emotional well-being can be impacted if you don’t have confidence in your smile. This is especially true for children. Below are some of the common benefits of smiling and why it’s important for your child’s overall well-being.
Stress Relief:
As adults we often forget that children also experience stress and anxiety. It may be a school test, issues with a bully, or even competition in sports or after-school activities. Smiling is helpful for children as it releases endorphins and serotonin, which are mood-boosting chemicals in your brain. The simple act of smiling boosts these chemicals, which also lowers the stress-inducing chemical cortisol. This can be great for kids as it helps them to reduce their levels of stress and increase their joy.
It’s Contagious:
With everything going on in the world, sharing a smile can be a great way to boost everyone’s mood. Research has even shown that seeing another person’s smile activates the area in your brain that is responsible for your facial expressions. This means that your smile can literally make someone else smile. If your child is having a tough time at school or with their friends, remind them of how a kind smile can completely change the mood.
Immune Boost:
Smiling naturally relaxes your body which means your immune system can function properly. The ability to have your immune system properly function is crucial as it can help fight off infections and seasonal sicknesses. This is helpful as children are susceptible to sicknesses like the cold and flu due to how contagious it can be in school environments.
Builds Community:
Physical and mental development are highly important for children, but so is their social development. Making friends, learning how to play with one another, and building those social bonds can do wonders for your child. If your child is struggling to make friends, let them know that smiling can help them make more friends as it is inviting to others.
Opportunities and Success:
Research has actually shown that poor dental health has been linked to lower academic performance. This is not just during childhood though as many adults also experience issues with their professional career if they have dental health issues. Smiling exudes confidence and can open up more opportunities.
Hollywood Dentist
Now you know why smiles are important for kids. It is recommended that children see the dentist for a checkup at least every six months. This is helpful to ensure proper development of their mouth, but also to ensure their oral hygiene routine is working. A consistent oral hygiene routine can do wonders for a child as their dental health in childhood has been shown to predict their dental health throughout adulthood. Finding a skilled Hollywood kids dentist can make a huge difference in your child’s life due to the importance of oral health.
If it is time to schedule your child’s six-month checkup, contact Dr. Rhonda at Glo Modern Dentistry. Dr. Rhonda is the most trusted and highly respected dentist in the area. She also has extensive experience in pediatric dentistry. Contact the top Hollywood dentist today for an appointment!
