Bare your teeth in happiness ?

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In summary, smiling is considered a good thing because it has a psychotherapeutic effect and stimulates the production of beneficial chemicals. Research also suggests that smiles may have evolved from the expression of fear, which serves as a submissive gesture that promotes social cooperation. Additionally, for humans, smiling is not a form of aggression as teeth are not used as weapons. Dogs also smile, possibly due to their predatory instincts.
  • #1
Mentat
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Why is smiling considered a good thing? For that matter, why does happiness cause us to smile?

Smiling usually requires a baring of one's teeth at another...isn't that usually a bad thing in the Animal Kingdom?
 
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I think some research has indicated that smiling has a psychotheraputic effect - the action stimulates the production of certain chemicals, which are generally beneficial.

Some other research suggest that smiles evolved from the expression of fear. If you think about it, that isn't such a bad idea, since fear responses are generally a submissive gesture, and so encourage social cooperation as smiles generally do today.
 
  • #3
It's also worth noting that for humans, teeth are not what we fight with. Raising your hands is much more aggressive than anything you can do with your face, especially if you're holding a stick.

A secondary issue is that smiling has more to do with the shape of the lips than it does with showing the teeth.
 
  • #4
Dogs also smile, bearing teeth, when happy. Perhaps because predatory animals are happy when hunting and killing, using their chompers? We humans are, after all, predators.
 
  • #5
Originally posted by FZ+
I think some research has indicated that smiling has a psychotheraputic effect - the action stimulates the production of certain chemicals, which are generally beneficial.

Some other research suggest that smiles evolved from the expression of fear. If you think about it, that isn't such a bad idea, since fear responses are generally a submissive gesture, and so encourage social cooperation as smiles generally do today.

Hmm...yeah, I like that point on submission. What kind of chemicals would be secreted when one is smiled at?
 

1. What does it mean to bare your teeth in happiness?

Baring your teeth in happiness is a nonverbal expression of joy or satisfaction. It involves showing your teeth in a smile or grin, often accompanied by raised cheeks and crinkled eyes.

2. Why do we bare our teeth when we are happy?

Baring our teeth in happiness is a natural instinct that is deeply rooted in our evolution. It is a way for humans to communicate positive emotions and create social bonds with others.

3. Is baring your teeth in happiness the same as a fake smile?

No, baring your teeth in happiness is not the same as a fake smile. A fake smile is a forced expression that only involves the mouth, while baring your teeth in happiness involves the entire face and is a genuine expression of joy.

4. Can baring your teeth in happiness have different meanings in different cultures?

Yes, baring your teeth in happiness can have different meanings in different cultures. In some cultures, it may be seen as a sign of aggression or disrespect, while in others it is a common way to express happiness and friendliness.

5. Is baring your teeth in happiness a learned behavior?

While baring your teeth in happiness is a natural instinct, it can also be a learned behavior. For example, children often mimic the facial expressions of their parents and caregivers, and may learn to bare their teeth in happiness from them.

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