Smiling happens without much thought. When you watch a friend do something silly or embarrassing, you smirk. When you crush asks you something that makes your heart skip, you can't help but grin. And when you are recognized for a job well done or you had aced an exam, you beam. Smiling is a very natural response that shares our happiness with others. Unbeknownst to many, smiling also triggers activity in your brain. Yep, there's a serious mind-body connection there, in your left frontal cortex to be exact, which is—not surprisingly—the area of your brain that registers happiness. Our face has 44 muscles that allow more than 5,000 different types of expressions, many of which are smiles. Unfortunately oral care is not a priority among Filipinos and we are facing a very serious situation. Based on a research study, 77% have never been to a dentist. This is an obvious severe health issue because it affects an individual's identity, confidence and productivity. The good news is that an initiative is being made with the combine sources of Oral B, University of the Philiplines' College of Dentistry and UP Dental Alumni Association, Smile Pilipinas came about.
