With comic books and movie adaptions making up a large part of modern entertainment, it’s easy to imagine having superpowers. While many wish for super strength or the ability to fly, what you may not realize is you already have a superpower right under your nose: a smile!

Smiles connect us with people and help us express ourselves. Our smiles also house our mouth and teeth, which allow us to get the vitamins and minerals we need to stay healthy.

Smiles lead to positive mental attitude

A study conducted by Delta Dental found that 53% of adults believe their smile impacts their overall success. 70% think their grin affects a first impression. Whether true or not, these numbers speak to the power a smile has over the way adults perceive themselves and others.

When meeting new people, 67% of respondents felt that quality oral health makes them feel confident. While this may seem to be a coincidence, scientists have confirmed that facial expressions do have an impact, albeit minor, on personal feelings.

Communicating with our smiles

But it doesn’t take a scientist to tell you that we can determine someone’s mood by their facial expressions. For example, a genuine smile could mean that someone is happy, friendly, or feeling well. But smiles are also a social tool; most of the smiles we produce are primarily made for others. These smiles serve the purpose of nonverbal communication, or expressing something without using words.

Think about your own smiles. You’re sure to have different ones. Perhaps when you laugh it’s different from when you recall a fond memory or tell an embarrassing story. How does this compare to when you pass a person on the sidewalk or return a hello to someone unfamiliar? Do you smile when someone smiles at you? If so, that means smiles are contagious too!

Healthy smiles = healthy bodies

It’s no surprise that healthy foods are needed to keep your teeth in tip-top shape and the rest of you healthy. That means avoiding sugary foods and eating a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, protein foods, calcium-rich foods, and whole grains.”

Combine good nutrition with a quality oral health routine. Remove plaque and debris from your teeth on the regular by brush and flossing, and your mouth and body will thank you because there’s a strong connection between your oral and overall health.

So, while you may not think much about your smile, it certainly has some power. Share yours with someone today!