eli5: SMILE! Aggressive to attractive

Question

I understood that teeth showing in primates is a sign of aggression but in modern times, smiling is considered attractive. What explains this shift in perspective?

Thanks!

In: Biology

Answer 1

Its origin isn’t 100% known. Monkeys use their teeth sometimes to show that they’re harmless, and as an act of submission. It’s possible it spun off from that.

But, also keep in mind that the perceived “attractiveness” of smiling varies by culture. Smiling in the west is considered natural and a display of happiness. In some parts of Asia, smiling is more a sign of embarrassment than happiness. Smiling to strangers in America is considered normal, but in some parts of Europe, it’s considered fake or even odd.

So where we departed from primates in regards to smiling is unknown, but smiling is also shaped by the culture you’re in.