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Are Dental Implants right for replacing your missing teeth?
Most probably yes.

Most people with reasonably good health are good candidates for dental implant surgery.

Our implant specialist is the best person to evaluate it.

Just send us a recent dental panoramic radiograph (also called OPG x-ray) via email and we will let you know.   We will also prepare a suitable treatment plan which will include your alternatives, the dental implant process and the related costs.
 
The ideal candidate for dental implants should:
  1. Have sufficiently dense bone tissue in the jaw
  2. Be free from periodontal disease
  3. Not smoke, or be willing to give up smoking, especially during the osseointegration period
  4. Have good oral and overall health

But since we do not live in an ideal world…

TOGETHER, we can take care of all these points:

  1.  We will use bone grafting to augment your bone and place implants of suitable size
  2. We will treat your periodontal disease ahead of placement and you will continue to receive treatment on a regular basis after placing the dental implants
  3. Sorry, but it is really up to you…
    Smoking is not an absolute contraindication, but a risk factor for implant failure.
    (Failure rate of implants is more in smokers compared to nonsmokers and is directly proportional to tobacco use.)
  4. Most people can undergo dental implant placement, even if they are not perfectly healthy. However, certain systemic and autoimmune conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes, Lupus, Aids and osteoporosis, decrease the dental implant success rate.  Keeping your mouth healthy and your dental implants firm in place is simple:
  • Regular tooth brushing and flossing at home on a daily basis as always.
  • And a professional check-up and cleaning every 6 months.

So if you are considering dental implants, Do not hesitate:

  1. Book an appointment for and OPG x-ray with a dentist or a specialist dental radiologist in your area. (you can check at whatclinic for one)
  2. Send it to us by email and a small note about what you would like to achieve
We will write back and give you our honest opinion.
Together we will send you a treatment plan, where we will describe alternative treatments and their cost.
It’s that simple!
 

Dental Implants exibit an overal sucess rate of 95%.

It is one of the safest and easiest medical procedures you can have.

 
 

Brushing your teeth after eating is the single most important habit for healthy teeth.  To keep both your teeth and gums in good condition, always brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled, well maintained brush.  Especially important is to brush your teeth before going to bed.  This way your breath will be fresher in the morning, but also the pile of bacteria that can lead to gum disease and cavities, will not be allowed to rest in your mouth during the night.

top reasons to use and electric tooth brush, why use an electric toothbrush

Brushing your teeth before going to bed is especially important.

A properly used manual tooth brush cleans teeth very efficiently. However, in the real world most people are either not thorough enough or way too thorough, when brushing their teeth. They either remove the bacteria plaque only partially or gradually wear down  their teeth. These two habits often motivate me to recommend using an electric toothbrush instead of a manual one.

According to recent study published in the International journal of Dental Hygiene, which conducted a randomized clinical trial comparing plaque removal efficacy of an oscillating-rotating power toothbrush to a manual toothbrush by multiple examiners:

“All four examiners demonstrated the power toothbrush removed significantly more plaque after a single brushing than the standard manual toothbrush. Both brushes were well tolerated.”

So here are the main reasons that the use of an electric toothbrush better protects your teeth.

  1. Electric Toothbrushes Clean Better

It is really as simple as that. Their ergonomic design and their whirring bristles are better in removing the  bacterial  plaque even in hard to reach areas, such as the back of the mouth and the gum line.

2.Electric Toothbrushes preserve the Tooth Enamel

Indeed, being too thorough can be equally harming to your teeth as being too sloppy. Too much pressure during tooth brushing or the use of hard toothbrush gradually wears down the teeth enamel and causes gum recession.  While I can easily use a white filling to protect the eroded tooth, there is not much, I can do about the gum line.  This issue is easily solved with the use of an electric toothbrush. Some models even reduce power automatically if you brush too hard!

In any case, the ideal dental hygiene routine combines professional tooth cleaning  every six months with  regular tooth brushing in a gentle manner.

Top reasons to use an electric tooth brush, why brush your teeth using an electric toothbrush

Good ergonomic design ensures thorough cleaning even of the most hard to reach areas in the mouth.

 3. Electric Toothbrushes  make it easier to reach all areas of the mouth,  even for young children or adults suffering from dexterity issues

Good ergonomic design combining a large easy to grip handle with a round brush at the end of a long wedge, ensures thorough cleaning even of the most hard to reach areas in the mouth.

4.Electric Toothbrushes let you know when you should stop cleaning your teeth

Actually for most people, it is the other way around. They rarely brush their teeth long enough to remove all the bacteria. So the built-in timers of electric toothbrushes come in handy.

Top reasons to use an electric tooth brush, why brush your teeth using an electric toothbrush, clever toothbrush, toothbrushing app5. Electric Toothbrushes can be fun gadgets

In today’s digital world there is an app for almost everything. There are actually several tooth brushing apps for children and adults alike. Some toothbrushes are connected with their own  app.  These apps transform tooth brushing, to a playful digital experience for young kids. They also provide adults with data on their brushing habits and guide them towards proper use.

6. Electric Toothbrushes  Cost  is not prohibitive anymore

Electric Toothbrushes are useful and clever gifts for young and old, men and women alike.  They are affordably priced and there are always some good ones on offer.

This Greek pharmacy, has currently a big variety of electric toothbrushes on offer as I am sure there are equally many in the UK.  Kolibree markets a smart electric toothbrush, that comes with a great app for kids.

Electric toothbrushes make it easier for most people to maintain good dental hygiene. They are an affordable, useful gadget, that will help you and your loved ones flash a bright Smile for longer. So why not give it as a Christmas present?

dental implant abroad, dental implant in greece, cosmetic dentist greece, dental implants in greece

10 Reasons for Dental Implants in Greece

Dental Implants are without doubt the most convenient way to replace missing teeth.  They optimally combine comfort, durability with natural looks. Furthermore when you opt to receive dental implant treatment in Greece you can be sure to receive top class dental implants treatment at a very low cost. In this post, I discuss why to restore your teeth using dental implants and why choose Greece in particular.

1. Dental implants in Greece cost 70% less than in the UK, Ireland and Scandinavia

You can save up to 50.000 Euros, when you choose to have Dental Implants in Greece, without any compromising on the quality of treatment or service. Greek dentists are well trained in Greece and abroad, they speak good English and operate  state of the art  dental clinics.

2. Dental implants  assist you to reinstate your chewing function

Dental implants restore completely your chewing ability. People with missing teeth often suffer from digestive disorders. Their diet is restricted to soft food, while their body cannot absorb all the needed nutrients adequately. In general people with no or few teeth suffer from poorer health.

3. Dental implants in Greece improve your way of speaking

Teeth are absolutely essential in ensuring clear speaking. When your teeth is missing your speech is distorted. Dental implants return speech function to normal.

4. Dental implants can replace one or multiple missing teeth

For a single missing tooth, a single crown implant used. In some cases, when more than one adjoined teeth are missing an implant supported bridge is a better option. When no natural teeth are present implant-supported denture or bridge might be the answer.

5. Dental implants in Greece are more comfortable than dentures

Dental Implants do not move or slip and they do not require readjustment. Most of the time the only thing that needs replacing is the prosthetic restoration, ie a crowns or dentures that are fitted on top of the implants.

 6. Dental implants in Greece maintain jaw-bone health

When a tooth is lost, the body senses the loss and stops sending vital nutrients like calcium and phosphorus to the area. As a result, the surrounding jaw bone begins to atrophy and might threaten the health of neighboring teeth. A dental implant replaces not only the crown, but also the root of the missing tooth. Hence the body continues to send nutrients to the area and the jawbone does not shrink.

7. Dental implants in Greece protect the health of the remaining teeth

When a tooth is lost, the remaining teeth will drift, as they try to fill the empty space. This might result to areas that cannot be cleaned properly and are prone to plaque build up. Your risk of gum disease and tooth decay is thus significantly increased. Implants help to maintain the teeth in their proper position and keep them clean and healthy

 8. Dental implants  in Greece exhibit a very high success rate

The American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons reports that single dental implants have an average success rate of 95% in a 5 year horizon, In 10 years the number drops to 90%.

 9. Dental implants are easy to take care off

Care of  Dental implants is similar to natural teeth.

  • Brush, floss, and rinse on a daily basis
  • Have regular- every 6 months- check-ups
  • Remove implant-secured dentures for cleaning every night, just like non-implant dentures.

 

Finally and most importantly

10. Dental implants in Greece improve your looks and boost your confidence

Dental implants will not only restore your missing teeth but also restore the shape and structure of your lips and cheeks. You will instantly look healthier and younger.

Find out if  dental implants are the right treatment for you in this post.

 

Saradari Beach

Best beach for: Calm Turquoise-blue Sea Water, Snorkeling and Full Moon Bathing

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Young couple in love enjoying the view from Saradari

On the edge of Hersonissos to the west, lie a series of small inlets and bays separated by rocky cliffs vibrant with limpets, small crabs and other sea animals. The sea is almost always calm and the warm turquoise waters are most welcoming. The bay in the far end serves as a nudist beach. There are seabed and umbrellas for rent and a few but exquisite restaurants and bars. The area of Saradari is idyllic to watch the dark sea twinkling as the full-moon rises above Hersonissos port.

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Star Beach, Hersonissos Port

Best beach for: Fun, Amusement & Water Sports

star beach crete, potamos beach, creta beach, top beaches crete, top 10 beaches in crete, top 10 beaches crete, crete top beaches, hersonissos beach, heraklion beaches, star beach crete heraklion, crete beaches, top 10 beaches in Greek islands

Never ending fun in Star beach amusement park

Star Beach is more an amusement park on the seaside than a beach. Star beach is most famous for musical and themed home parties organized almost on a daily basis featuring famous DJ’s. But there is something for everyone in the 4 acres it occupies. Several water pools- including a kid’s pool- water slides, beaches, a spa center and water sports are all part of the Star Beach experience. The four bars and the three restaurants of the park offer a big choice of foods and drinks at a very reasonable cost. Entrance to the Star beach park is free.

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New York Beach Club, Port of Hersonissos

Best beach for: Relaxing, Food and Drinks

star beach crete, potamos beach, creta beach, top beaches crete, top 10 beaches in crete, top 10 beaches crete, crete top beaches, hersonissos beach, heraklion beaches, star beach crete heraklion, crete beaches, top 10 beaches in Greek islands

New York Beach in the morning getting ready to welcome the sunbathers and swimmers

New York is a popular all-day Beach bar and restaurant that doubles as a club at night. It is situated right in the middle of the port of Hersonissos. Sea water is almost always calm and the views are great both from the beach and the restaurant. Friendly staff serves fresh drinks all day long on the beach, where you can rent sun-beds and umbrellas a daily basis.

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Anissaras

Best beach for: Sunset, Walking, Cycling & Scuba Diving

star beach crete, potamos beach, creta beach, top beaches crete, top 10 beaches in crete, top 10 beaches crete, crete top beaches, hersonissos beach, heraklion beaches, star beach crete heraklion, crete beaches, top 10 beaches in Greek islands

A quiet evening in Anissaras beach

Annissaras is a big sandy beach extending for more than 3 killometers from Saradari in the outskirts of Hersonissos to Analipsi. Annisaras is home to some of the biggest hotels in the area operating on an all-inclusive basis. The rocky seabed makes it an ideal destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. A great place to enjoy an evening walk as the red sun sets into the blue sea.

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Potamos Beach

Best beach for: Chilling out, Nature

star beach crete, potamos beach, creta beach, top beaches crete, top 10 beaches in crete, top 10 beaches crete, crete top beaches, hersonissos beach, heraklion beaches, star beach crete heraklion, crete beaches, top 10 beaches in Greek islands

Refreshing in the unspoiled beach of Potamos

On the verge of the ancient palace of Malia lies a big beach, widely known as arhaiotites (antiquities). On the west of side is Potamos a smaller less crowded beach. Potamos is covered with white sand and small dunes, where white sand lilies grow in August and September. The beach is surrounded by a wild life reserve- home to several species of birds and wild flowers, such as the endogenous Cretan orchids. You can rent a set of 2 sun beds and umbrella for just 5 Euros per day. Refreshments, Snacks and Lunch are available from the bar-restaurant on top of the beach.

white teeth tips, tips to white teeth , tipe to whitening teeth

Good Dental hygiene can help you keep your teeth white for longer

    Keeping your teeth white is easy.  Just read through these 7 tips and I am sure you will be able to keep your teeth pearly white for a long time after teeth whitening.

  • Follow a good dental hygiene routine

Brush your teeth at least twice daily and always before going to bed. Even better, brush them after every meal using a whitening toothpaste.

Flossing and using an antiseptic mouthwash on a daily basis, can also help.

  • Have a professional teeth cleaning and polishing every 6 months

Your dentist or dental Hygienist can  remove many teeth stains caused by eating, drinking and smoking.

  • Brush your teeth immediately after eating food or drinking drinks that can stain your teeth

Tea, coffee, cola and sport drinks, red wine and tobacco are some of the most common  teeth staining agents. Red fruit such as berries, pomegranes, beetroots, spinach, soya sauce and processed food containing artificial coloring also cause teeth staining.

Remember:

If it stains your white shirt, it will stain your teeth too

  • Eat fruit and vegetables that need a lot of chewing

Crunchy food such as celery, apples, pears, carrots trigger lots of saliva and scrub the surface of your teeth as you chew.

Hard cheese also has a similar effect

All these crunchy foods are in effect acting like a toothbrush.

  • Eat strawberries and citrus fruit such as oranges or grapefruit.

They increase the production of saliva in your mouth and help keep your teeth clean and healthy

  • Eat dairy products including milk and yogourt

Calcium contributes to keeping teeth white, while lactic acid helps preventing tooth decay.

  • Rinse your teeth with water and chew sugar free chewing gum.

An especially useful trick when brushing your teeth is not possible.

 

Brushing your teeth, rinsing after meals and regular dental check-ups are vital in helping you maintain white and healthy teeth. A white teeth diet can certainly help but should not become an obsession.

In any case you should not worry too much.

If for whatever reason your teeth keep getting discolored, you can always repeat the teeth whitening treatment after a year.

Natural Teeth: Nature’s Gift

save natural tooth, preserve tooth, implants vs teeth

Dental implants feel and behave differently inside the mouth, because they lack the natural elasticity of the teeth

Natural teeth are the “equipment” mother nature has given us, to help us process our food. They also help us speak clearly.  As a doctor I take special care to help preserve nature’s gifts for as long as possible, in a minimally invasive way.  When this is not possible anymore or the prognosis of a compromised tooth is poor, I will resort to more aggressive techniques such as teeth extractions and placement of dental implants.  I view dental implants as the ideal option to replace missing teeth, that lead to significant improvement in my patient’s quality life. But extracting perfectly salvageable teeth with the aim of replacing them with dental implants, is a practice that I do not recommend and is not based on sound scientific evidence.

Oral implants when evaluated after 10 years of service do not surpass the longevity of natural teeth even of those that are compromised, for either periodontal or endodontic reason.

 Holm-Pedersen P, Lang N, and Muller F. What are longevities of teeth and oral implants?J Clin Oral Implant Res. 2007;18(suppl):15–19

Dental implant and natural teeth prosthetic restorations behave similarly in time

Natural teeth typically suffer from endodontic or periodontal decease. They are treated with endodontic therapy, usually root canal treatment and periodontal treatments, such as root scaling.  Scientific studies have shown that:

  • Teeth suffering endodontically that are successfully treated- via a root canal and resin or crown restoration, present high survival rates (up to 97%) that are comparable to those for a single crown implant restoration.
  • Dental bridges that are fixed on natural teeth behave similarly in the long run to dental bridges fixed on dental implants. Several studies have shown  comparable long term survival rates  of around 90%*  for dental bridges, that use  either natural tooth or implants as abutments. Key to the restorations success remains the existence of healthy well maintained periodontal tissues.
*Survival rate of fixed prostheses supported by tooth and implants were found to be at  89.2% and 86.7%, respectively (Pjetursson, et al., 2007).  Studies where teeth with reduced but healthy periodontal tissues were used as abutments in cross arch bridges (Laurell, et al., 1991; Lulic, et al., 2007), showed survival rates of  up to to 90% over 10 years.

Implants do not have a better prognosis than teeth with reduced marginal bone support. The dentist should not recommend extraction of such teeth. There is no evidence available to support an aggressive approach in early extraction of teeth, to preserve bone for later implant placement.

 Friedman S, and Mor C. The success of endodontic therapy: healing and functionality. J Calif Dent Assoc. 2004;32:493–503

 

Teeth may suffer from periodontal decease and implants from peri-implantitis or peri-implant mucositis.

All these conditions can lead to tooth or implants loss, if not treated appropriately.  Periodontal treatment followed by good oral hygiene and regular check-ups, is absolutely necessary to ensure the longevity of all fixed dental restorations.

 

Advantages of natural teeth to dental implants

  1. Dental implants feel and behave differently inside the mouth, because they lack the natural elasticity of the teeth.

    Teeth are surrounded and supported by specialized  tissues (periodontium)  that  maintain them in the jaw bone. This unique structure helps teeth behave in an elastic way during chewing and biting. Dental implants on the other hand are rigidly fixed on the jaw bone.

  2. Preserving natural teeth is a lower cost alternative.

    Dental implant surgery can cost two or three times as much as root canal treatment, that is typically required to preserve a natural tooth. Additionally implant supported prostheses are more expensive than other prosthetic restorations.

  3. Easier maintenance of oral hygiene

    The daily cleaning of your natural teeth is easier and more effective than cleaning  a prosthetic restoration on dental implants.

 

Dental implants are my treatment of choice when it comes to replacing missing teeth or stabilizing ill-fitting dentures. They instantly improve my patient’s satisfaction and self- confidence. But for compromised teeth with a good treatment prognosis, maintaining them for as long as possible is my biggest priority.  After all, I can always restore a diseased tooth with an implant as necessary at a later stage.

 

 References

  1. Salehrabi, Rotstein I., Endodontic treatment outcomes in a large patient population in the USA: an epidemiological study. Journal of Endodotics 2004
  2.  Jung RE1, Zembic A, Pjetursson BE, Zwahlen M, Thoma DS. Systematic review of the survival rate and the incidence of biological, technical, and aesthetic complications of single crowns on implants reported in longitudinal studies with a mean follow-up of 5 years. Clinical oral implants research, 2012
  3. Pjetursson BE1, Brägger U, Lang NP, Zwahlen M. Comparison of survival and complication rates of tooth-supported fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) and implant-supported FDPs and single crowns (SCs). Clinical oral implants research, 2007
  4. Lulic M1, Brägger U, Lang NP, Zwahlen M, Salvi GE. Ante’s (1926) law revisited: a systematic review on survival rates and complications of fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) on severely reduced periodontal tissue support. Clinical oral implants research, 2007

  5. Tomasi C, Wennström JL, Berglundh T.Longevity of teeth and implants – a systematic review.  Journal of implant rehabilitation, 2008

  6. Friedman S, and Mor C. The success of endodontic therapy: healing and functionality. J Calif Dent Assoc. 2004;32:493–503

  7.   Holm-Pedersen P, Lang N, and Muller F. What are longevities of teeth and oral implants?J Clin Oral Implant Res. 2007

Houdetsi Festival is a free 4-day musical celebration taking place in the begining of August. The small traditional village welcomes visitors and musicians from around the globe

 

festival crete, festival greece, music festival houdetsi, things to do in crete,Music is in the air as you walk up the small hilly road to the village of Houdetsi. Young and old, Greek and foreigners, parents and  children, dressed up  in light summer clothes following the thread of music.

And Oop’s there it is!

 

You turn right into the mystic garden of the Labyrinth. music_houdetsi_festival,festival crete, festival greece, music festival houdetsi, things to do in crete,The Rampamp of Daud Khan Sadozai  travels you in the foothills  of the  Himalayas.  Spectators are lured by the strange sounds performed skillfully in the familiar garden of the old stone house under the big  walnut tree. Further up the road in front of the square Ross Daly, dressed in crème talks with his fans.

 

A music festival directed by the aclaimed irish-born Ross Daly

Ross is the artistic director and “soul” of the festival. Originally from Ireland, has lived in Houdetsi since 1982 where he operates the Labyrinth music workshop.  He views the festival as an opportunity to bring together artists and visitors from all over the world. He feels that their interaction with the Cretan community and the music promotes a constructive, fruitful exchange of artistic values and ideas.

A  trail full of local aromas, flavours and colours literary connects the five music stages of Houdetsi Festival

You walk by the square, where several groups are enjoying their dinner. You then turn right into the small road leading to the exhibition. Pottery, jewellery, tapestry, home-made cosmetics and goodies and even instruments crafted by local craftsmen are for sale. A fruitful interchange of local craftsmen and craftswomen with the music fans.  On the three stages that are along the road, the lyra, the saz and the laouto engage in social  intercourse to the ears of the devoted listeners.

Yummy street food is prepared on the spot, in Crete’s most popular music festival

souvlaki, street food in Greece,houdetsi music festival, festival greece, festival creteOn the other side of the square, children are playing hide and seek, next to the main stage(spiliada), while hungry visitors are enjoying freshly cooked  street-food. Souvlaki on the charcoal, french fries cooked from locally grown  potatoes in olive oil, traditional loukoumades flavored with Cretan honey. But which is the greatest hit with the locals? Surprisingly enough is  falafel- the “vegetarian burgers” of the Midlle East. It is the period of fastening ahead of the assumption of Mary, celebrated on the 15th of August after all.

An intense musical journey in the east-west conjunction that has chararcterised Crete for the last 5000 years

festival crete, festival greece, music festival houdetsi, things to do in crete,Back in Spiliada, the  band playing Irish folk music just finished  and  now is the turn of Haig Yazdjian band.  The  music of the popular Sirian-Armenian’s mingles the music of the  east mediterranean with that of the middle east. festival crete, festival greece, music festival houdetsi, things to do in crete,The audience is carried away, but it is the  performance of  Xylouris-White that comes next that attracts the most attention.  Xylouris (or Psarogiorgis), comes from a well known music family of the area. The Cretan lauto player has formed an “exotic” duo  with the  Australian drummer Jim White of the rock band Dirty Three. Their music, full of playful intros and delicate musical motifs, is an intense journey in the east-west conjunction.  That same conjunction that has chararcterised Crete for the last 5000 years.

Houdetsi Music Festival is an unparallel journey of music, aromas and flair in this tiny village well hidden in a slope surrounded by vineyards. Three hours suffice to ramble from the most North-west island to one of the most south east islands of Europe and further ahead to a land down under via the hilltops of Himalayan.

We visited Houdetsi festival on Thursday 4th of August 2016

 

Mr Franklin Neal Floyd posted the following question in the popular facebook Group “Living in Crete”:
“As a retired military member that has visited Crete 3 times I would like to ask the group how have you found medical care in Crete compared with Europe and the US.”

The group answered  enthousastically and many shared their personal experience of receiving health treatments either as an outpatient or in a hospital.

They generally agree that the quality of  medicalcare is good and they have no complaints.

By Sarah Stevenson

It’s a rough morning. First, my alarm doesn’t go off. Then I’m late getting my son to school because another driver decides to roll into me. It doesn’t damage my car, but it completely wrecks my mood. Then I get to my doctors appointment only to realize I’m an hour early. Just great. It must be a case of the Mondays!

“When I smile, the world smiles back”

I decide to pop into little French cafe around the corner to grab a cup of tea while I’m waiting. As I sit under my little gray cloud, my pretty, young server Colette flashes me a dazzling smile that sticks there for the entire interaction. I can’t help but smile back. In fact, I even catch myself smiling while washing my hands in the bathroom. Suddenly my day doesn’t seem so bad. I finish my tea and head to my appointment equipped with a grin on my face, feeling as though I’ve slipped on a pair of rose-colored glasses. Today’s lesson? It turns out that when I smile, the world smiles back.

Scientist and spiritual teachers alike agree that the simple act can transform you and the world around you. Current research (and common sense) shows us that a smile is contagious (1). It can make us appear more attractive to others. It lifts our mood as well as the moods of those around us. (Merci, Colette.) And it can even lengthen our lives (2). So before you read on, slap a nice, genuine smile on that face of yours. You’ll thank me later.

How Smiling Affects Your Brain

Smile makeover

A broad Smile increases your attractiveness and the chances of you both living longer, healthier lives

Each time you smile you throw a little feel-good party in your brain. The act of smiling activates neural messaging that benefits your health and happiness.

For starters, smiling activates the release of neuropeptides that work toward fighting off stress (3). Neuropeptides are tiny molecules that allow neurons to communicate. They facilitate messaging to the whole body when we are happy, sad, angry, depressed, excited. The feel good neurotransmitters dopamine, endorphins and serotonin are all released when a smile flashes across your face as well (4). This not only relaxes your body, but it can lower your heart rate and blood pressure.

The endorphins also act as a natural pain reliever – 100% organically and without the potential negative side effects of synthetic concoctions (4).

Finally, the serotonin release brought on by your smile serves as an anti-depressant/mood lifter (5). Many of today’s pharmaceutical anti-depressants also influence the levels of serotonin in your brain, but with a smile, you again don’t have to worry about negative side effects – and you don’t need a prescription from your doctor.

How Smiling Affects Your Body

You’re actually better looking when you smile – and I’m not just trying to butter you up. When you smile, people treat you differently. You’re viewed as attractive, reliable, relaxed and sincere. A study published in the journal Neuropsychologia reported that seeing an attractive smiling face activates your orbitofrontal cortex, the region in your brain that process sensory rewards. This suggests that when you view a person smiling, you actually feel rewarded.

It also explains the 2011 findings by researchers at the Face Research Laboratory at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. Subjects were asked to rate smiling and attractiveness. They found that both men and women were more attracted to images of people who made eye contact and smiled than those who did not (6). If you don’t believe me, see how many looks you get when you walk outside with that smile your wearing right now. (You’re still smiling like I asked, right?)

How Smiling Affects Those Around You

Did you know that your smile is actually contagious? The part of your brain that is responsible for your facial expression of smiling when happy or mimicking another’s smile resides in the cingulate cortex, an unconscious automatic response area (7). In a Swedish study, subjects were shown pictures of several emotions: joy, anger, fear and surprise. When the picture of someone smiling was presented, the researchers asked the subjects to frown. Instead, they found that the facial expressions went directly to imitation of what subjects saw (8). It took conscious effort to turn that smile upside down. So if you’re smiling at someone, it’s likely they can’t help but smile back. If they don’t, they’re making a conscious effort not to.

Looking at the bigger picture, each time you smile at a person, their brain coaxes them to return the favor. You are creating a symbiotic relationship that allows both of you to release feel good chemicals in your brain, activate reward centers, make you both more attractive and increase the chances of you both living longer, healthier lives.

My morning started a complete mess. Anyone in my shoes would have been frowning by the time they hit that café. We can’t always control what happens to us, but I am 100% confident that gracing your face with a grin can seriously change your internal and external experience. Your smile is something that should be worn often, so make it a priority to surround yourself with people, places and things that brighten your day. Vow to be the positive, happy person in your group of friends. Watch funny movies often and be sure to look people in the eye and show them your pearly whites. The world is simply a better place when you smile.

 

This post originally appeared in www.psychologytoday.com

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Footnotes:

1. Primitive emotional contagion. Hatfield, Elaine; Cacioppo, John T.; Rapson, Richard L. Clark, Margaret S. (Ed), (1992). Emotion and social behavior. Review of personality and social psychology, Vol. 14., (pp. 151-177). Thousand Oaks, CA, US: Sage Publications, Inc, xi, 311 pp.

2. Abel E. and Kruger M. (2010) Smile Intensity in Photographs Predicts Longevity, Psychological Science, 21, 542–544.

3. Seaward BL. Managing Stress: Principles and Strategies for Health and Well-Being. Sudbury, Mass.: Jones and Bartlett; 2009:258

4. R.D. (2000). Neural correlates of conscious emotional experience. In R.D. Lane & L. Nadel (Eds.), Cognitive neuroscience of emotion (pp. 345–370). New York: Oxford University Press.

5. Karren KJ, et al. Mind/Body Health: The Effect of Attitudes, Emotions and Relationships. New York, N.Y.: Benjamin Cummings, 2010:461.

6. Facial attractiveness: evolutionary based research Phil Trans R Soc B June 12, 2011 366: 1638-1659.

7. O’Doherty, J., Winston, J., Critchley, H. Perrett, D., Burt, D.M., and Dolan R.J., (2003) Beauty in a smile: the role of medial orbitofrontal cortex in facial attractiveness. Neuropsychologia, 41, 147–155.

8. Sonnby–Borgström, M. (2002), Automatic mimicry reactions as related to differences in emotional empathy. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology, 43: 433–443.

 

Sarah Stevenson, a.k.a., The Tini Yogini, is a Certified Yoga

Instructor in Southern California. She has a degree in Behavioral

Psychology and teaches not only yoga classes but also life affirming

workshops. She also writes for https://www.beachbody.com”>www.beachbody.com, which provides effective home fitness dvds for all fitness levels including home fitness workouts such the Asylum workout: “https://www.beachbody.com/product/fitness_programs/insanity-next-level-asylum-workout.do”