World Smile Day® 2016

“Do an act of kindness. Help one person smile.”

Friday, October 7th, is World Smile Day. So share smiles and acts of kindness. #World #Smile #Day. Click To Tweet

This wonderful celebration is based on the iconic yellow smiley face we all know and love. And contrary to what the movie industry might have you believe, Forrest Gump did not invent the yellow smiley face. It was actually an American graphic artists from Massachusetts, who in 1963, created the iconic image we still see printed on everything, from buttons to t-shirts. The modern yellow smiley face is like a modern-day Mona Lisa and is considered the second most popular smile in history. It’s even the inspiration for the text emojis most of us use everyday (if that wasn’t obvious enough already).

The History of the Second Most Recognizable Smile in the World

It is largely accepted that the late Harvey Ball first created the yellow smiley face over 50 years ago under commission by a large finance company.

The State Mutual Life Assurance Company requested the graphic in hopes of boosting employee morale after a slew of difficult mergers and acquisitions.

A smile is contagious, and Ball knew it. He went with the simplest of ideas, and in just 10 minutes, Ball designed a yellow smiley face that would live on for generations to come.

French journalist Franklin Loufrani was the first person to register the graphic for commercial use in 1972. Having dubbed the icon, “smiley”, Loufrani launched the Smiley Company.

The graphic became a globally recognized icon and by 1996 the Smiley Company had become a multi-million dollar empire.

The Real Meaning of a Smile

The very meaning of the icon represents positivity and joy, and this idea was not lost on the original creator’s son, Charlie.

In 2001, Charlie created the World Smile Foundation in honor of his father and to recover the icon’s cheerful legacy, despite decades of commercialization by large corporations. According to the World Smile Foundation, the yellow smiley face is one of the most recognizable symbols of good will and cheer.

So, they continue to be the official sponsors of World Smile Day® in hopes of encouraging individuals to take positive action and bring a few more smiles into the world.

Help Celebrate World Smile Day®

You never know when someone is having a bad day. The goal of this day of celebration is to remind us that anyone and everyone can make a difference in helping someone have a good day.

If you are interested in going the extra mile for World Smile Day, you can become an Ambassador. World Smile Day® Ambassadors are from all walks of life and help spread the simple joy of a smile by organizing special events at local businesses, schools, and parks.

Our goal at Little Heroes Pediatric Dentistry for this World Smile Day® is to bring more smiles into the world than ever before. We are happy to provide heroes of all ages with high-quality dental work and orthodontic services to help them achieve the best smile possible.

So, come celebrate World Smile Day with us by contacting one of our offices in Laredo, Mission, or San Juan today and scheduling an appointment!

“Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.” - Mother Teresa Click To Tweet