Whether you text, post or read on social media, or simply go online, you’re bound to run into a yellow smiley face. It has appeared in so many contexts that you may not realize it has a more meaningful purpose. Don’t feel bad if you’re unaware of its original meaning. Today is World Smile Day, and its symbol is the smiley face, giving you the perfect opportunity to learn more about the history of this icon, what World Smile Day is about, and ways to celebrate it.
Smiley Face History
In Worcester in the 1960s, an artist wanted to share a message of kindness and happiness during a time of pollical and social unrest, so he created the iconic yellow smiley face to promote caring for others, regardless of any differences in their socioeconomic status, politics, religion, or ethnicity.
When World Smile Day Started to Now
Although companies and corporations have taken advantage of the smiley face for commercial purposes, in 1999, World Smile Day was instituted to help people recall the smiley face’s real intent. To honor what it stands for, try to do at least one act of kindness for someone else today.
Sharing a Kind Smile
Most often, opportunities for kindness don’t come in fancy, big ways. In fact, sometimes, the most meaningful acts of service are small. If you are struggling to find chances to be kind and help others, you can participate in good causes in your local area that assist those in need of an uplifting smile. Drives like Toys for Tots and other events can allow you to help kids and families in your community. Not only can showing a little kindness make them feel happier, but it can put a smile on your face as well!
Be Kind to Your Smile Too
While showing kindness to others is undoubtedly important, you need to spare some for yourself. Your oral health and confidence in your smile make a difference for your own well-being, but if you have misaligned teeth, you may show your own smile, which deprives those around you from positivity and joy. Practice better self-care by meeting with an orthodontist and straightening your teeth. Getting orthodontic treatment as well as brushing and flossing every day and visiting your dentist twice a year for checkups and cleanings will protect your teeth and gums in the long run. With more confidence and better health, you can then share your smile with others and spread kindness.
Although you should certainly celebrate World Smile Day, being kind and helping others smile shouldn’t be limited to a single event. So get started and make the most of World Smile Day all year long!
About the Practice
At Super Braces of Lawrence, Dr. Johana Cortés-Mercado and the rest of our team not only help current patients achieve their best, straightest smiles in our office but also reach out into the community through out Simply Doing Good network. In addition to our annual drives for school supplies and Toys for Tots, we support local schools and sponsor sports teams. We are always looking for ways to give back, so if you have ideas, let us know by contacting us online or calling us at 978-794-0000.