In the Know for You to Know

What makes you smile?

Think about it. You smile at your child and they smile back. You both giggle and feel great.

This may be a simple expression, but it goes beyond simply making us look happier.

Smiling releases natural hormones called endorphins. These hormones make you feel happier, more positive, and less stressed.

Why smile on World Smile Day? This is what I want you to know.

What Is World Smile Day?

World Smile Day started in 1999 by Harvey Ball, the creator of the Smiley Face emoji.

This day celebrates the meaning of the Smiley icon, bringing a smile of the faces of people around the world.

Who doesn’t smile when they see the Smiley Face?

When Is World Smile Day?

World Smile Day is celebrated around the world every year on the 1st Friday of October. For this year, that’s tomorrow.

Why Is The Smiley Face Yellow?

Yellow was chosen because it’s a symbol of cheerfulness!

The Power Of A Child’s Smile

Fun fact – Did you know it takes 17 muscles to smile?

Smiling Increases A Child’s Self Confidence

A smile is about feeling good on the inside and out. Their smile plays a major role in how they feel about themselves, and how they present themselves to others.

Children Are The Biggest Smilers

Children smile about 400 times a day. When a child smiles they naturally feel happier. This in turn helps them face challenges and new situations with a positive spirit.

Smiling Creates Positive Social Experiences

When a child smiles big and often, it demonstrates their confidence. Other children want to be around them. This helps a child to build friendships and lifelong relationships.

A smile helps children build connections and have positive social experiences with their peers.

The Science Behind The Smile

Smiling is important for a child’s health. It’s a natural mood booster by reducing stress and anxiety.

Each time they smile, their body releases natural stress releasing compounds, called endorphins and neuropeptides. These hormones relax their body and lower their heart rate and blood pressure.

Don’t feel like smiling? Even laughing can improve a child’s mood. Plus it’s hard not to smile when you’re laughing.

There’s nothing quite like seeing a child’s smile to make everyone feel better. It really creates a positive atmosphere for the whole family.

Smiling Positively Impacts School Performance

A smile can also directly impact a child’s school performance. Children who have healthy smiles are less likely to be absent from school.

This is why good oral hygiene routines are important for supporting children’s overall well-being and success in school.

The Family That Smiles Together Supports And Encourages Each Other

While a smile can go a long way for a child, there is nothing like a parent’s support and encouragement to help them feel great about themselves. Creating this loving and supportive environment makes everyone feel more secure and accepted.

This is why talking with them about their oral health is so important. Good oral health, a healthy smile, and good communication go a long way to forming a positive self-image.

Celebrate World Smile Day

6 fun and easy ways to celebrate:

• Encourage 1 person to smile, smile at them and see if they smile back to you
• Hand out Smiley Face stickers
• Tell a funny joke and see who laughs and smiles
• Take a family picture of everyone smiling
• Appreciate the happiness a smile can bring
• Sing your favorite smile song

Make Your Child’s Smile Their Super Power

A simple smile has the power to bring people together, spread kindness, and brighten someone’s day.

Keep Smiling!

How will your family celebrate World Smile Day? What makes your child smile? How many times do you think they smile in a day? Is the Smiley Face emoji your favorite? Which Smiley Face do you use most in your texts? Tell Us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook

More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!