This time of year is often referred to as “the holidays.” As soon as October starts, the stores are immediately filled with a mix of Halloween candy, turkey-themed decorations, and Christmas trees! But did you know that you don’t have to wait to begin celebrating? The first Friday in October is officially designated as World Smile Day.
This holiday comes from right here in the U.S., but when did it start? And most importantly, how does somebody properly celebrate World Smile Day?
How It Started
World Smile Day isn’t that old—the very first one was in 1999. It came from Harvey Ross Ball, which Worcester-natives will recognize as the hometown artist who created the iconic yellow smile symbol that you’ve probably seen on countless T-shirts, posters, stickers, and more.
The day is meant to be dedicated to “good cheer and good works,” and the catchphrase is, “Do an act of kindness—help one person smile.” This can be accomplished in any number of ways, but the original intent was to have people primarily support children’s causes.
How to Get Involved
While any act of charity works for World Smile Day, a few suggestions that come from the Harvey Ball World Smile Foundation include donating school supplies, supporting a local youth sports team, or volunteering for an organization that helps at-risk children. There is literally no wrong way to do it as long as you’re helping someone smile!
Don’t Forget Your Own Smile!
Of course, while you’re busy putting a smile on someone else’s face, it’s worth taking a moment to think about how you look after your own. Consistent oral hygiene cannot only give you a set of pearly whites that you’re always eager to show off, but research shows that when you smile, it makes others around you feel better as well.
So if you’re not already brushing twice a day, flossing in the evening, and attending semi-annual checkups with your dentist, now is as good a time as any to get started. For your appearance, for your health, and for your community, it’s one of the best ways to ensure everyone has a reason to smile!
About the Practice
For Community Dentists of Worcester, our passion for serving people extends beyond our office walls. We’re proud to be a part of the Simply Doing Good network, which has coordinated countless classroom supply drives, supported organizations like the Boys & Girls Club, and sponsored over 100 charitable events.
If you want to learn more about our efforts and how you can get involved, or if you just want to schedule an appointment to take care of your smile, you can get in touch with us through our website or by phone at (774)371-4131.
