The bright yellow smiley face—it’s everywhere! You may even see it every day as you text or scroll on social media. But did you know it has a deeper meaning? Today is World Smile Day, and its symbol is the smiley face. Learning about the day’s history and its significance can be not only enlightening but motivating for doing more in your community. Keep reading to learn why and how you should celebrate World Smile Day.
Smiley Face: The Origin Story
The 1960s had some turbulent political and social moments. During this time, an artist from Worcester wanted to send a message, so he created a symbol of kindness: the yellow icon everyone knows and loves today. It was meant to encourage people to care for others, even if they had different ethnicities, political views, religious beliefs, or economic backgrounds.
World Smile Day Now
Due to its popularity, many companies have commercialized the smiley face, obscuring its original meaning. In 1999, however, the artist’s intent was brought back to memory through World Smile Day, which has been celebrated ever since. On October 4, perform at least one kind act for another person to help them smile.
Sharing a Smile
Kindness mostly consists of little things that can make a significant impact. Holding the door for someone, being polite, and even just smiling can brighten their day. Right in your community, you have many opportunities to participate in causes and events to help those who could use an uplifting smile. A simple donation or another act of kindness can make not just the recipient happy, but also you, the giver!
Kindness for Your Own Smile
You should certainly be kind to others, but you should also take some time to take care of yourself. Unless you have good oral health, you will have less confidence to share your smile with others. To protect your teeth and gums, you must brush and floss daily. Visiting your dentist every six months for checkups and cleanings is also required to keep a healthy, strong smile for the long haul. If necessary, get additional dental work done so that you can confidently share your smile with others, bringing a little more sunshine to their day.
Throughout the year, not just on World Smile Day, take opportunities to be kind to someone, even if they are different from you. Spreading smiles is always worthwhile!
About the Practice
In Worcester, University Dental Group happily helps patients achieve and maintain oral health through various procedures, but our reach goes beyond our practice. We also are part of the Simply Doing Good Network, which lends a helping hand in communities throughout New England through annual donation drives, sponsorships for sports teams, and support for local schools. If you’d like to learn more about what we do, reach out to us online or call our office at 508-753-1911.