If you’re like most people, you text, are on social media, go online, and have at least seen if not used a bright yellow smiley face before. 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 really about, and how you can honor it.
When the Smiley Face Started
During a time of political and social conflict, an artist in Worcester in the 1960s created the yellow smiley face as a simple symbol of kindness. He produced it with the intention of encouraging everyone to care for others, no matter their politics, religion, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status.
World Smile Day Today
Although the original meaning of the smiley face become commercialized and obscured, when World Smile Day began in 1999, it helped people recall the smiley face’s real intent. At some point today, try to perform a kind act for another person and brighten their day with a smile.
Sharing a Kind Smile
Kindness doesn’t always come with grand gestures. In fact, the smallest acts of service can have a significant effect on others. Where you live, plenty of opportunities are available to participate in good causes that assist those who could use an uplifting smile. For example, you can donate to charities like a Toys for Tots drive, which benefits kids and families in your community. Showing just a little bit of kindness can help them feel happier. Also, you may discover yourself smiling as well from the feeling that comes with helping others!
Being Kind to Your Smile
On top of being kind to other people, today you should consider showing kindness to yourself. Your oral health and confidence in your smile matter, but if your teeth are misaligned, you may not have to show your own smile and help others do the same. To practice better self-care, you should consider meeting with an orthodontist and correcting your teeth. Having a straighter smile as well as brushing and flossing daily and visiting your dentist at least every six months for a checkup and cleaning will keep your teeth and gums healthy for the long term. With a confident, strong smile, you’ll be more ready to share it with others, spreading kindness and joy.
Although World Smile Day is just one day a year, being kind and creating smiles can be done anytime, so take the opportunity to start now!
About the Practice
Dr. Sam Alkhoury and the rest of the team at Ludlow Orthodontics are happy to be part of the Simply Doing Good network, which has helped communities throughout New England for years. In addition to school supply drives and our annual Toys for Tots Drive, we also sponsor local sports teams and schools, always seeking ways to make the Ludlow area a happier place to live. If you know of a cause, organization, or event we could support, don’t hesitate to reach out to us online or call us at 413-547-0300.
