Did you know that laughter (both spontaneous and self-induced) doesn’t just elevate your mood, it changes body chemistry and brain function that can extend your life? Laughing can make you live longer by boosting your immune system. It’s also great for your mental health by reducing stress, anxiety and brain fog. May 1st, 2022 is World Laughter Day — an annual event celebrated around the world raising awareness about laughter and its health benefits — and our Valley View Dental team is here for it!
Laughter Health Benefits
-Helps you feel better by releasing mood-boosting endorphins, considered natural painkillers.
-Elevates T-cells in your immune system to fight off illnesses like colds.
-Boost cardiac health as your diaphragm gets your heart pumping, burns calories, boosts respiratory rate and heart rate, and increases oxygen consumption.
-Tones your abs as your tummy muscles expand and contract while laughing.
-Lowers stress hormone levels like cortisol so you experience relief for stress and anxiety while boosting immune system performance.
-Lessens blood pressure, lowering your risk of heart attack or stroke.
Oral Health and General Health
Turns out, the healthier your body, the healthier your mouth (and vice versa). Your oral health is linked to endocarditis, an infection of the inner lining of your heart chambers or valves from bacteria or other germs from your body or mouth. It’s linked to heart disease, clogged arteries and stroke from the inflammation and infections in the oral bacteria. Poor oral health affects pregnancy and birth complications because of periodontitis. And if certain oral bacteria enter your lungs, that can lead to pneumonia and other respiratory diseases. And then there is diabetes which puts your gums at risk. Other medical conditions linked to oral health include eating disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, some cancers and an immune system disorder resulting in dry mouth (Sjogren’s syndrome).
What Makes You Laugh?
Whether you laugh more by going to a comedy club, watching a funny movie, taking an improv class, sharing funny memes on social media (use #WorldLaughterDay) or watching your favorite comedians on Netflix with your family and friends, laughing can make your whole body healthier. Whatever it takes, our dentists and team recommend making laughter a regular part of your day. Your smile will thank you!
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