Researchers at the Face Research Laboratory at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland asked subjects to rate smiling and attractiveness. Both men and women were more attracted to images of people who made eye contact and smiled than those who did not

When you smile, feel-good neurotransmitters dopamine, endorphins and serotonin are released. This relaxes your body, lowering your heart rate and blood pressure.

How to look after my smile?

1. Visit your Newbury dentist

During the visit your dentist will-

• Check your mouth for early signs of mouth cancer

Your dentist will look for ulcers which didn’t heal within 3 weeks, red or white patches and any unusual lumps or swellings.

• Gum Disease

Gum disease is the number one reason for losing teeth. By the time you notice something’s wrong and probably feel discomfort, bleeding, tenderness and worst of all, loose teeth- it may be too late. Keeping gums healthy is also a recommendation for the prevention of heart disease.

• Tooth Decay

Even the best fillings have a limited life. Over time they deteriorate and need replacing. Stop poor teeth early or you risk losing your tooth.

• Bad breath

Plaque is the most common cause of this unpleasant condition. Keeping your teeth clean and professionally scaled and cleaned will

eliminate bad breath.

• Aesthetics

Cosmetic dentistry is no longer just for the rich and famous. So why not discuss the colour, shape, position and general appearance of your teeth and smile during your visit.

2. Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.

• Tilt your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the gum line and roll the bristles away from the gum line.
• Gently brush the outside, inside and chewing surface of each tooth using short back-and forth strokes.
• Gently brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen breath.

3. Floss between your teeth

Floss or use an interdental brush every day to remove food and plaque lodged between your teeth.

4. Cut down on sugar and fizzy drinks

After eating a sugary snack your teeth comes under an acid attack for up to an hour. Try limiting sugary snacks to meal times.

Drinking fizzy drinks all day your teeth are under constant acid attack and can lead to serious dental problems.

5. Straighten crooked teeth with braces

More and more adults are having braces to straighten their teeth.

6. Don't delay with dental treatments

Dental disease never cures itself. The longer you leave treatment, the more difficult it will be to do- taking more time, causing greater discomfort and costing more.

A trip to the dentist can help you smile and appear to more likeable, courteous and even more competent according to a study from Penn State University.