What A Difference A Smile Makes

What a Difference a Smile Makes

“A smile is a curve that sets everything straight” - Phyllis Diller

It only takes 22 muscles to smile, however it takes 37 to frown.

Mark Stibich Ph.D gives us 10 top health reasons to smile:

1. Smiling Makes us Attractive
We are drawn to people who smile. There is an attraction factor. We want to know a smiling person and figure out what is so good. Frowns, scowls and grimaces all push people away - but a smile draws them in.

2. Smiling Changes Our Mood
Next time you are feeling down, try putting on a smile. There’s a good chance your mood will change for the better. Smiling can trick the body into helping you change your mood.

3. Smiling is Contagious
When someone is smiling they lighten up the room, change the mood of others, and make things happier. A smiling person brings happiness with them. Smile lots and you will draw people to you.

4. Smiling Relieves Stress
Stress can really show up in our faces. Smiling helps to prevent us from looking tired, worn down, and overwhelmed. When you are stressed, take time to put on a smile. The stress should be reduced and you’ll be better able to take action.

5. Smiling Boosts Your Immune System
Smiling helps the immune system to work better. When you smile, immune function improves possibly because you are more relaxed. Prevent against the flu and colds by smiling.

6. Smiling Lowers Your Blood Pressure
When you smile, there is a measurable reduction in your blood pressure. Give it a try if you have a blood pressure monitor at home. Sit for a few minutes then take a reading. Now smile for a minute and take another reading while still smiling. Did you notice a difference?

7. Smiling Releases Endorphins, Natural Pain Killers and Serotonin
Studies have shown that smiling releases endorphins, natural pain killers, and serotonin. Together these three make us feel good. Smiling is a natural drug.

8. Smiling Lifts the Face and Makes You Look Younger
The muscles we use to smile lift the face, making a person appear younger. Don’t go for a face lift, just try smiling your way through the day - you’ll look younger and feel better.

9. Smiling Makes You Seem Successful
Smiling people appear more confident, are more likely to be promoted and are more likely to be approached. Put on a smile at meetings and appointments and people will react to you differently.

10. Smiling Helps You Stay Positive
Try this test: Smile. Now try to think of something negative without losing the smile. It’s hard. When we smile, our body is sending everyone else a message that “Life is Good!” Stay away from depression, stress and worry by smiling.

Give it a go: smile to yourself. If nothing else, other people will be curious about what you have been doing.

Many thanks to Jane Lelean a business coach, who published this on her newsletter.  Go find out what other useful tips she has on her website  www.healthyandwealthy.co.uk

Does Teeth Whitening Really Make Difference?

Sometimes, it is hard to believe a simple solution will really work.  This tends to be the response I get when I suggest teeth whitening.  Does it really work?  Will it REALLY make a difference?  The answer is a resounding YES…but

Below are my top tips to know if you are suitable

1.  Compare the colour of the whites of your eyes to the colour of your teeth.  Notice a difference? If your teeth are darker then this is a great treatment for you

2.If you drink lots to tea, coffee, red wine, smoke and that’s what has discoloured your teeth, then this will work for you to get rid of the evidence.

3.  If your teeth are a grey colour or you have tetracycline staining, then it is less effective so other solutions may be needed

4. If your suffer from sensitive teeth, you can still whiten BUT need to make sure you pick someone that knows what they are doing! Teeth need to be desensitised first

5. If you are over 30 you would probably benefit from whitening…don’t shoot the messenger!

Teeth Whitening is not NEEDED.  It is a choice and a fabulous treatment that works and does not damage teeth if carried out properly.  In my next post I will run through how the process works and what the options are so keep tuned

A Woman Of Substance

A few weeks ago I attended an inspiring awards ceremony celebrating the 30th anniversary Barbara Taylor Bradford’s debut novel, A Woman of Substance.

I remember first reading this book as a kid and being totally riveted by the story of this strong woman overcoming the odds.  A total dreamer and an introvert, I used to loose myself in books and I remember telling myself if Emma Harte could do it why not me

This award was to recognise women of today overcoming the odds and the first ever recipient was truly inspiring.  Lisa Salmon, 42, from Horsforth, Leeds, was crowned ‘A Woman of Substance 2009′ Lisa was nominated by her mother, Sheila Salmon, and her friend, Gail Robinson, who described her as an extraordinary human being. Lisa  has had to deal with a series of tragedies — one of which resulted in her losing her sight and the other the death of her son at just two days old. Since then, she has managed to triumph over adversity, going on to marry and have two children, and is now juggling a busy family life with working as a writer with the support of her husband Mark and in her spare time helps to support and campaign for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance service that saved her life.

Lisa when asked about the award said “I was amazed I won. I don’t feel like I’m that special. I’ve just got on with life. I do feel sometimes that I’m the luckiest unluckiest person alive. I’m over the moon to be seen as a real woman of substance. I just can’t believe it.”

During her acceptance speech I was struck by a comment she made…”bad things happen to good people , there’s just no point in moaning, it just doesn’t serve any purpose, I just got on with it.”

At that point the lady I was standing next to turned to me and said, “Well that put’s my bad day into perspective!”

Congratulations Lisa, Emma Harte would be proud of you!

Who knew George could look better!

Years ago ER was my “must see TV”. George Clooney is back on the small screen looking better than before, why? His teeth of course!

He has had a smile makeover and boy has it made a difference, he definitely looks 10 years younger

As we get older our teeth get darker and shorter as they do their work chomping on all that lovely food.  Those short yellow teeth have gone and with it the years, also a little tweaking to remove the excess gum and he looks, younger, fresher and even more gorgeous!

That’s why your smile is THE best accessory

Dentistry Vegas Style!

I cannot believe it has been over a month since I wrote anything on the blog, totally shocking!  I am trying to decide if the time has sped by so fast because I am having such a great time or if it is just because I am getting older and I don’t know what it is about time, but the older you get the faster time seems to speed by!

Anyway in my defence I have been in the states, for almost three weeks, first for a conference and then for a course.  Yup the Yanks are still the leaders when it comes to cosmetic dentisty which is why I invest so much time and energy in the many trips I take there to learn all the new techniques to make sure our guests do absolutely benefit from the best.

I was in Vegas for the International Federation of Esthetic Dentistry.  It is a conference held every 2 years where all the top cosmetic dentists from over the world come together to share experiences and learn.  It is really intense, early morning 7am starts.  I was moaning one day and had to shut up after talking to a Korean dentist who had travelled twice the distance i did, was more jetlagged than I and was struggling to understand all that was going on because his English wasn’t that great.  It reminded me that excellence was a journey and he said he felt just being there was sufficient..nothing more to be said!

10yy Live

I have just recovered from the fantastic show that was 10yy live in Earls Court

It was wonderful to meet so many of you that are fans of the show. We had a great stand and in between whitening the teeth of the contributors that were chosen for a makeover and being on stage, I managed to fuel my passion of talking about teeth to anyone that would listen on our stand!

Next year the show will be bigger and better and I can’t wait

Beauty v/s Health

New research from Mintel has confirmed what we all already know

1. Stained yellow teeth are the top aesthetic concerns for consumers

2. 4/10 of us Brits are more concerned about the colour of our teeth than health issues such as cavities or gum disease

“Alongside wrinkles, teeth are another key indicator of age. Agelessness is one of the major social issues which has been gathering pace over the past decade. Whilst kids are getting older younger, older adults are refusing to accept their age,” This was a comment by the Senior analyst at Mintel.

I am often bemused by the panic of such stories and why people are suprised by the results.  It is as old as time.  Why do  we have to hide medicine in ‘nice food’ or drinks to get kids to swallow it?  The same reason why I have many smokers that know all about the fact it can kill them but won’t quit.  Suddenly they decide they want whiter teeth for a special event or birthday and this motivates them to quit.  Is it vanity?  Are they choosing beauty over life? Do I care?  Absolutely not, I’m for whatever works!

So going back to the Mintel story I know for a fact that anyone who has had their smile fixed no longer needs to be told to brush, floss see the hygienist etc They love the way they look, take pride in themselves and so are motivated to look after their teeth and their oral health improves drastically.

That’s what we should focus on, finding solutions that motivate so it is a win win for everyone.  Now if I could invent a floss that whitens teeth, flossing would no longer be the ‘F” word!

Finding YOUR dentist

“How do you go about finding a really good cosmetic dentist…or even a good dentist period” I was asked that question at a function the other day and it is one of the most common questions I get asked.  My answer, look no further you’ve hit gold and found me Once the laughter dies down we then get down to the nitty gritty.

Below are my top tips to picking the dentist that’s right for you : continue reading