What makes you smile? Is it spending time with family and friends? Is it taking a vacation and relaxing on the beach or in the mountains? Is it helping others by volunteering your time? No matter what causes you to feel good enough to show off your pearly whites, there is a day dedicated to helping others do the same – World Smile Day on October 4. Keep reading to discover the benefits of a beautiful grin and how you can make yours shine when showing kindness to someone in need.
How Did World Smile Day Originate?
Established by artist Harvey Ball in 1963, he developed the concept after creating the iconic smiley face drawing. His reason for designing it was to encourage individuals to show kindness to others as well as extend generosity to those in need. Ultimately, he wanted to find a way to put a smile on people’s faces.
World Smile Day itself did not become a formal holiday until 1999 when Ball became worried that the smiley face no longer held its original meaning of spreading kindness. Instead, it was becoming heavily commercialized, most notably with the creation of the smiley face emoji.
By establishing the holiday, he declared it to be a day that focuses on spreading joy to all people.
The Benefits of Smiling
Although you may not think about it much, there are many benefits to smiling, some of which include:
- A boost in your mental and emotional health, as smiling is known to lower stress, even if you’re faking it.
- A more positive outlook on life, which can increase your chances of living longer.
- Being able to make a good first impression, effectively improving your chances of getting a job or securing a second date.
Tips for Maintaining a Healthy, Vibrant Smile
If you want to make sure that your pearly whites look and feel their best on World Smile Day, you can:
- Adopt good oral hygiene habits, like brushing twice a day, flossing at least once a day and rinsing regularly
- Continue to see your dentist for six-month dental exams and cleanings
- Wear a custom mouthguard to shield your smile from possible damage
- Eat nutritious foods that reduce your risk of cavities and gum disease
- Quit smoking or consuming excessive amounts of alcohol
- Break unhealthy habits, like using your teeth as tools
Ways to Participate in World Smile Day
There’s never a shortage of things you can do to bring a smile to someone’s face, but if you need a few ideas, consider offering to mow a neighbor’s lawn who might be sick, donate clothing or toys, write a letter to a serviceperson overseas or volunteer at a local food pantry or soup kitchen.
Do your part this World Smile Day by showing kindness and generosity to others. You never know how much of a difference you can make with just one simple act.
About the Practice
At Simply Orthodontics of Hopkinton, our talented orthodontists, Dr. Jamie Moon and Dr. Sam Alkhoury are pleased to be a part of the Simply Doing Good network of professionals. These individuals participate in community initiatives and events to help spread smiles throughout New England. Their efforts to beautify grins with orthodontic treatment as well as give back in various ways to individuals in need allow them to make a difference both inside and outside the office. Contact us via the website or call (508) 435-1200 to learn more about us.