In 1999, October 4th was declared World Smile Day, which many people know of because of the iconic yellow circle smiley face that accompanies the holiday. However, the history of World Smile Day goes even further back than 1999 and has an even deeper meaning and history than many people realize. Read on to learn more about how World Smile Day came to be and what you can do to celebrate.
The History Behind World Smile Day
The yellow circular smiley face was originally created by commercial artist Harvey Ball, from Worcester, Massachusetts, in 1963. It became an icon and was used to market commercial products and sales in stores, and even used in classrooms to spread happiness and excitement. As the iconic symbol became more commercialized, Harvey Ball reflected on its original meaning and felt as though the symbol had lost its true purpose, which is how World Smile Day came to be.
Harvey Ball declared the first Friday of October as World Smile Day in 1999 in an effort to reclaim the smiley face’s true meaning of spreading acts of kindness through the world. In his own words, it’s a day to “do an act of kindness” and “help one person smile.”
Celebrate Your Smile by Keeping It Healthy
For some, smiling may not be such an easy thing to do, especially if they’re missing teeth, are in pain, or dealing with underlying dental health concerns that need to be addressed. While some oral problems can be prevented and tackled with a good at-home hygiene routine, others may require professional intervention from a dentist. The first step towards letting your smile brighten the world on October 4th (and throughout the rest of the year!) is to take action and look after your dental health.
Get Involved to Spread Smiles in Your Community
Spreading smiles in your community can look a number of different ways, from buying someone’s groceries if you have the financial means to, paying it forward, or volunteering at a local organization that means something to you. It’s also great to support local businesses who give back in their communities, like seeing a dentist who participates in events like classroom supply drives and sponsors local sports teams!
Sharing and spreading smiles are what World Smile Day is all about, and by getting out in your community and supporting businesses that do the same, you can have double the impact on those in need.
About the Author
Dr. Joseph Costa contributes to a number of community-centered efforts throughout the year, ranging from the Teachers are Heroes Classroom Supplies Drive to sponsoring local sports teams and organizations like the Boys & Girls Clubs. In addition to giving back to the community that supports him and his team, he’s happy to provide patient-centered, high-quality dentistry to families in and around Worcester. For questions or to schedule an appointment, visit Dr. Joseph Costa Family Dentistry’s website or call 508-755-1980.