“Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.” – Thich Nhat Hanh

Depending on what stage you are in of orthodontic treatment, smiling may be the last thing you want to do. Whether you’re just starting with braces or [dcl=123668 or near the very end, your confidence may have taken a tumble. With a new year comes a new mindset and we’ve got 8 reasons to expose your beautiful smile to the world in 2023:

1. Smiles are contagious. Studies have shown that people have a difficult time frowning when someone else is smiling at them. In fact, they couldn’t help but smile themselves. Make a habit throughout the year to compliment the people you meet with a smile and watch them pay it forward.

2. Smiles relieve stress. When you smile, the body releases endorphins that help quickly change your mood. This makes you feel better, thus relieving your body of stress. Try smiling even when you don’t feel like it and notice the difference.

3. It is easier to smile than frown. Did you know the body uses more muscles to frown than it does to smile? That means you have to put forth more effort to look sad than to simply appear happy. Turn that frown upside down in 2023 and give your muscles a break.

4. It boosts your immune system. Scientists have found that smiling relaxes the body, allowing it to build a stronger immune system and contributing to overall good health. Smile more this year. You could be helping your body fight sickness.

5. Helps you get promoted. People who smile often appear to be more attractive, social and confident. These people are also most likely to get promoted at work. Smile more at work this year. It could lead to your next promotion.

6. Smiles are more attractive than makeup. A recent study shows that women who do not wear makeup but are smiling appear to be more attractive to men. Save yourself the extra time in the morning and put on a smile instead of a full face. You just might get a date.

7. Smiles are the most recognizable facial expression. Did you know that a smile can be recognized from up to 300 feet away? Flash your beautiful smile when out in public or in big groups and help people find you easier.

8. People who smile live longer. Previously, we mentioned that smiling boosts your immune system. One large benefit of that is a longer lifespan. Science says that people who smile often live an average of 7 years longer than those who do not. Lengthen your time on this earth by smiling more in 2023.

Do you have questions about your smile?

Greater Houston Orthodontics has years of proven experience creating healthy, beautiful smiles for patients of all ages. If you have not yet started Invisalign or have questions, contact our office for a complimentary evaluation. Start the new year feeling confident with your Invisalign and the benefits that come with a gorgeous smile.

Separation anxiety is one of the most common behavior problems reported by pet owners. Dogs with separation anxiety become extremely anxious when their owner leaves or even when they are left alone in general. They often display this behavior through barking, howling, whining, chewing and digging. Separation anxiety can affect any breed of dog and can be triggered by anything from a new pet in the home to moving.

The chemical serotonin is responsible for mood, appetite, sleep and other functions. It works by sending signals between brain cells through serotonin receptors. A hormone responsible for creating serotonin is called TRH (thyrotropin-releasing hormone).

There are many treatment options available to help your dog cope with separation anxiety. These include medication, behavior training and lifestyle changes.

Behavior Training

There are a number of good books available that provide in-depth information on how to train your dog in a step by step manner. Once you have learned how to use positive reinforcement for rewarding good behavior then you can begin the process of teaching your dog how to be calm and quiet when you leave. The books provide step-by-step instructions on the training process including the use of hand signals, timing and duration of reward for desired behavior.

Medication

Anti-depressant drugs can be used to treat anxiety just like they are used for people. Prozac (fluoxetine) is currently the only FDA approved medication specifically for dogs with anxiety issues, but it does not provide immediate relief and other anti-depressants may be prescribed by your veterinarian.

Lifestyle changes

If your dog’s anxiety occurs when you are leaving the house, then it is important to avoid inadvertently rewarding their behavior. This means making sure they don’t get lots of attention or treats before you leave and coming back if they start barking in an attempt to make them stop.

Give Your Dog CBD Oil

Cannabis has been used for centuries to treat mood disorders. The endocannabinoid system in the brain creates cannabis-like neurotransmitters that are responsible for regulating your mood, appetite and pain response. These neurotransmitters can be supplemented with Phytocannabinoids found in hemp oil to help maintain homeostasis within the body or to help treat illness.

This is a complicated chemical process that involves the body’s own endocannabinoid system. It has no psychoactive effects and will not give your dog the munchies, but it does have many potential benefits for both health and behavior problems.

https://www.thedailyworld.com/national-marketplace/best-cbd-oil-for-dogs/ has shown that CBD oil can be effective in treating chronic pain, anxiety and seizures. Cannabidiol oil from hemp has been used for centuries to treat a variety of mood disorders. The human body has an endocannabinoid system and it uses these cannabis-like neurotransmitters to regulate mood, pain response and appetite.

One of the safest and most effective ways to supplement your dog’s diet with CBD oil is through their daily food. This is a great option for dogs that won’t take medicine or react well to being given pills. If you are unable to switch your dog’s diet then it is possible to purchase CBD oil that can be added directly into their food or water.

It is important to consider the correct dosage of CBD oil for your dog before adding it to their diet. Talk to a health care professional who has experience giving dogs hemp supplements and they will be able to tell you how much CBD oil would be appropriate for your dog’s size and weight.

Conclusion

Whichever treatment option you choose to help your dog cope with separation anxiety it is important that you never punish them for exhibiting anxious behavior. This will only make the problem worse and could cause them to start acting out in an aggressive manner.