Get ready to flash those pearly whites and spread some joy because National Smile Month is here on May 17! This month-long celebration was first launched in the United Kingdom in 1977, with the goal of promoting good oral health and raising awareness about the importance of a healthy smile. But it's not just about dental hygiene – smiling has been shown to have numerous benefits for our mental and emotional well-being as well. So let's all take this opportunity to brighten someone's day with a simple smile, and make the world a happier place one grin at a time.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1977</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Smile Week</div><div class='timeline-text'>National Smile Week was first launched in the United Kingdom to promote good dental health.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1979</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Expansion to a Month</div><div class='timeline-text'>National Smile Week expanded to become National Smile Month due to its popularity and impact.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1994</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Global Reach</div><div class='timeline-text'>National Smile Month started to gain global attention, with other countries participating in the celebration.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2009</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>US Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>The United States recognizes and celebrates National Smile Month for the first time.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2016</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Digital Celebrations</div><div class='timeline-text'>Due to the influence of social media, digital celebrations of National Smile Month increased globally.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2020</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Global Pandemic Impact</div><div class='timeline-text'>In spite of the Covid-19 pandemic, virtual events and activities are held for National Smile Month, emphasizing its importance for overall mental well-being.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Spread Smiles Around Town</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take a walk through your community and hand out small gifts or compliments to strangers to brighten their day and spread smiles.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a Smile-Off Competition</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Get your friends together for a smile-off competition! See who can hold the biggest, cheesiest smile for the longest amount of time.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer at a Local Hospital or Nursing Home</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Spread smiles and bring joy to those in need by volunteering at a local hospital or nursing home. You can help with activities or simply spend time talking and laughing with the patients or residents.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a Smile Flash Mob</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather a group of friends and plan a surprise smile flash mob in a public place. Get creative with your smiles and make passersby laugh and join in on the fun.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Take a Smiling Selfie Challenge</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Challenge yourself and your friends to take smiling selfies every day for the entire month. Share them on social media with the hashtag #NationalSmileMonth to spread joy and positivity online.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It spreads happiness</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Smile Month is all about encouraging people to share their smiles and spread positivity. Smiling has been shown to improve mood, reduce stress, and even boost the immune system - so why not participate in this month-long celebration of joy?</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It reminds us to be grateful</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>During National Smile Month, we are reminded to appreciate the little things in life that make us happy. Whether it's a kind gesture from a stranger or a beautiful sunset, taking a moment to smile and be grateful can uplift our spirits and bring more positivity into our lives.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes good oral health</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Smile Month also serves as a reminder to take care of our teeth and gums. It's important to maintain good oral hygiene for both physical and emotional well-being. So let's all smile proudly with healthy teeth and spread awareness about the importance of dental care!</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Smiling is a Universal Sign of Happiness</h3><p class='facts-text'>Regardless of culture or language, a smile is universally recognized as a sign of happiness and goodwill, promoting understanding and unity among people from all walks of life.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Smiling Can Impact Perceptions</h3><p class='facts-text'>Psychological studies confirm that people who smile more often are generally perceived as more confident, successful, and trustworthy.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>A Genuine Smile Activates Multiple Facial Muscles</h3><p class='facts-text'>A genuine, joy-filled smile, also known as the Duchenne smile, engages not just the muscles around the mouth, but also those around the eyes, resulting in characteristic "crow's feet" or laughter lines.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Smiling Can Improve Cardiovascular Health</h3><p class='facts-text'>Research has demonstrated that the act of smiling, due to its stress-relieving effects, can help maintain a healthier heart by reducing heart rate and blood pressure.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Smiles are Contagious</h3><p class='facts-text'>Thanks to mirror neurons in the brain, seeing another person smile triggers a response in our own brains, urging us to replicate the expression. Therefore, when you smile, you're likely making someone else smile too!</p></div></div>
National Smile Month is celebrated on May 17th every year. In 2024 National Smile Month will occur on a Friday.
2023
May 17
Wednesday
2024
May 17
Friday
2025
May 17
Saturday
2026
May 17
Sunday
2027
May 17
Monday