World Smile Day is celebrated every year on the first Friday of October. The intention of the holiday is to spread joy and positivity to others and to see your loved ones’ faces light up with happiness. World Smile Day is also a great opportunity to check in on your dental hygiene and make sure your smile is as bright and healthy as possible.
The History of World Smile Day
World Smile Day is closely connected to the classic “smiley face” image of a yellow circle with a simple happy face. This image was created by graphic designer Harvey Ball in 1963 for a campaign for State Mutual Life Assurance Company. Ball drew the design in only 10 minutes, but its cultural impact was enormous.
By the 1970s, the yellow smiley face could be seen everywhere. It appeared on stickers, buttons, shirts, signs, and a wide range of other products. Some artists also used the smiley face in a more cynical or subversive manner. However, Harvey Ball did not appreciate the commercialization of his design. He launched a campaign to restore the original intent of the smiley face, which was to spread happiness and goodwill. As a result, World Smile Day became an official international holiday in 1999.
How to Celebrate World Smile Day
World Smile Day is all about bringing joy and positivity to others. Here are some ways you and your family can celebrate the holiday this year:
Perform Acts of Kindness
One of the best ways to make people smile is to perform random acts of kindness. On World Smile Day, you could set a goal to complete as many kind acts as possible. For instance, you could rake your neighbor’s lawn or buy coffee for the person in line behind you. Volunteering your time or donating to your favorite charity are also great ways to spread happiness.
Spend Time With Loved Ones
Spending quality time with the people you love can always bring a smile to your face. You can celebrate World Smile Day by visiting a family member, calling a friend, or hosting a get-together at your home.
Maintain a Healthy Smile
When your smile is bright and clean, you’ll be even more excited to show it off. You can get a healthy smile for World Smile Day by maintaining good brushing and flossing habits. Dentists recommend brushing with a soft-bristled brush twice per day for two minutes. You’ll also want to floss once per day.
World Smile Day is also an excellent opportunity to teach your kids about the importance of oral hygiene. Learning to care for your teeth and gums at a young age is the key to achieving lifelong dental health.
Schedule A Consultation
Regular checkups and cleanings are essential for your children’s oral health, and our team at Sprout Kids Dentistry is committed to making the experience fun, collaborative, and educational. If you’re looking for pediatric dentistry in Boston, schedule a consultation today with Dr. Anderson. Call our Quincy, MA office at 617-934-6339 or use our online contact form.
Dr. Michelle Anderson is a pediatric dentist board certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.
