Research has shown that the first thing people notice is your smile. A smile is a form of positive communication and expression. The old saying that a smile can “warm your heart and open doors” is true and not just for humans. Did you know that your smile is even important to dogs? Although up until now it has remained unknown whether or not dogs recognize human emotions, a research study performed at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna has shown that they can. A dog can differentiate between a smile and a frown. See? Your smile is more important than you think.
The Study
According to a recent study, dogs can be trained to distinguish between a happy face and an angry face. Dogs preferred happy faces over angry faces and could choose a happy face significantly faster than an angry one. Dogs were shown only the eye or mouth region of a face so they could not base their decision on others factors such as seeing teeth or frown lines. It is believed that dogs draw on prior experiences and memories of facial expressions already stored in their brain to distinguish the different emotions.
A Smile
The quality of your smile can affect your self-esteem, self-confidence, professional life, social life, job interviews, the number of dates you get, and even how much you get paid. People with a confident and esthetic smile:
- Have a positive effect on people around them
- Are viewed as successful and confident
- Are believed to be friendly, warm, and approachable
- Exude a polished and professional look
With the variety of cosmetic and restorative treatments available today, improving your smile can be easy and financially attainable.
ABOUT YOUR GARLAND DENTIST:
Dr. Vi Mai and the caring staff at Mai Dentistry are dedicated to ensuring that our patients are proud of their beautiful, healthy smiles. With years of experience in general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, we can expertly diagnose and treat early dental trouble to preserve your natural tooth structure. To learn more, or to schedule your next appointment, call us today at (972) 530-0552.
