At mydentist, we thrive on helping people achieve their dream smile. Your oral health is our top priority, which is why our practice teams put in the work to ensure you receive outstanding patient care - so you can leave your appointment confident in your smile and grinning from ear to ear. But putting top-tier dental care aside, what makes our patients smile?  We commissioned a survey of 2,000 respondents to find out, revealing the top 10 activities bringing Brits the most joy this summer.  

What makes you smile?  

10) Having time off work - With Monday mornings encouraging a frown in all but the earliest of risers, it’s no surprise that taking time off work ranked within our top 10 reasons to smile - with 12% of respondents citing it as a source of joy. Whether you spend your time off work catching up on your rest, lounging about the house or getting out into the great outdoors – taking time away for yourself is a sure-fire way to put a smile on your face.  

9) Catching up with an old friend - We believe that there’s nothing quite like a natter with someone you haven’t seen in a while and our respondents seem to agree. Just ahead of those who enjoyed a day off work, 13% of people ranked taking time to catch up with an old friend helped them find their smile. Much like our respondents, reaching out and reconnecting with someone you miss might be just what you need to brighten your day.  

8) Receiving compliments from others - Compliments come in all shapes and sizes, it could be your killer personality, or maybe it’s the new outfit you’re rocking that inspires them - but what doesn’t change is how good they make you feel. 14% of our respondents agree that a sincere compliment helps bring a smile to their face.  

7) Being around their pet 

Whether it’s the office dog or a furry friend waiting for you when you get home from a busy day, spending time with a pet is a guaranteed way to bring a smile to your face, and 19% of surveyed Brits said that being around their pet brought a smile to their faces.  

6) Being in good health - It’s important to eat healthily, stay active and set time aside to focus on your mental wellbeing. We believe balance is essential to staying in good health – and our respondents certainly agreed, with 21% voting for being in good health as a leading reason to smile. And if leading a healthy lifestyle makes your day too, you're in for a nice surprise. Did you know there are some incredible health benefits to smiling? A smile can help in alleviating stress, reducing your blood pressure and even release mood-improving endorphins.  

5) Spending time with your friends - Spending time with friends ranks high on the list of joy-inducing activities, with 22% of respondents highlighting it as a key source of happiness. Whether it’s catching up over coffee, enjoying a night out, or simply hanging out at home, laughter shared with friends can significantly boost your mood.  

4) Spending time with a partner - For 26% of respondents, spending time with their partner is a major contributor to their happiness. Whether it’s a quiet evening at home, a romantic dinner, or embarking on new adventures together, making time for special moments will definitely inspire a smile.  

3) Listening to music - Listening to music is a universal source of joy, with 30% of Brits naming it as one of their top happiness boosters. Whether it’s a favourite song, a new album, or a live concert, music can transform our mood and provide an escape from daily stresses. It’s no wonder that so many people turn to music as a reliable way to brighten their day. 

2) Going on holiday - With summer on the horizon, many are eagerly planning their next escape. Going on holiday is a top-tier source of happiness for 33% of our respondents - whether it’s a beach getaway, a city adventure, or a countryside retreat, holidays offer a break from the ordinary and a chance to create lasting memories.  

1) Spending time with family - Topping out our top 10 list of reasons to smile, spending time with family is the number one source of joy for 43% of our respondents. The joy of being surrounded by loved ones makes family time an invaluable part of life, especially as summer offers more opportunities to come together and make memories. 

Libby Jones, our Chief People Officer, commented: “With social media still being so popular and TikTok trends being at their height, it’s really intriguing and encouraging to see so many people seeking out more in-person connectivity with loved ones as a source of happiness this summer.”  

Libby added: “At mydentist, we take great pride in the wonderful patient care our dentists and practice teams deliver on a day-to-day basis, and believe that everyone deserves their dream smile, so I hope to see the desire for seeking joy through building in-person connections with others continue in the future.” 

We know a visit to the dentist is unlikely to make your top 10 list of reasons to smile any time soon. But we hope that your next visit to your local mydentist practice will leave you feeling more confident in your teeth and your oral health.  

Browse our comprehensive treatment offering, find your local mydentist practice, or find more information about mydentist, at www.mydentist.co.uk.