Nowadays, so many different things are recognized – from National Animal Day to National Brown Butter Day. It can be easy to blow these off as a “social media holiday,” but several serve an important purpose, and World Smile Day is one of them. If you are interested in learning more about it, including how you can get involved, then keep reading!
The Message Behind World Smile Day
First, we need to go back to 1963. At the time, a Worcester-based artist created the first yellow smiley face icon with the goal of encouraging people to be kind, help the people around them, and spread joy. Since then, it’s been used and commercialized, oftentimes to the point where people don’t think twice about its original meaning. That’s why, in 1999, World Smile Day was created. Now, every October 4th, this image is shared in hopes that it will start a ripple effect of positivity, making the world a better place in the process.
But What If You Aren’t Happy with Your Smile?
If you aren’t happy with your smile, whether it’s because you have a chipped tooth or you have an underbite, don’t hesitate to talk to your dentist or orthodontist about your treatment options! If that’s not possible right now, that’s okay – there are some things you can do at home to prevent stains, bad breath, and the like. Here are a few examples:
- Brush, floss, and rinse with mouthwash consistently
- Use a straw when drinking dark-colored beverages, like coffee
- Keep sugary and starchy foods to a minimum
- Wear a mouthguard during sports
- Don’t use your teeth as tools to open things
Other Ways to Get Involved on World Smile Day
If you love the message behind World Smile Day and you want to get more involved, then consider volunteering! Around this time of year, there are many opportunities to give back – whether it’s donating school supplies, making meals for people without a home, or buying toys so low-income families can have a great holiday season. Remember, even seemingly small donations and initiatives can have a large impact.
About the Practice
At Super Braces, caring for our community doesn’t stop at the doors of our office. We’re proud to be a part of the Simply Doing Good network, which allows us to support organizations like the Boys & Girls Clubs, host classroom supply drives, and participate in a Toys for Tots charity drive. If you are interested in getting involved, or there is a cause you’re passionate about, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us via our website or by phone at (508) 755-2207.