There is so much hardship and pain in the world that it can be difficult for many people to even think about smiling, but that is exactly when they should put in the effort. Just one smile to a person who needs it can lift their day and put them in a better mood. It’s for that reason that we recommend everyone take the time to celebrate National Smile Day on May 31st every year. After all, smiles can forge empathy between people and can cause the person doing the smiling to feel better. All good reasons for everyone to celebrate this holiday and spread a little bit of joy around the world.

The History of National Smile Day

National Smile Day was created by Compassionate Dental Care as a way for people to not only think about the health of their own smiles but to encourage them to share their smiles with other people.

Facts About Smiles & Smiling

During the course of our research, we found some very interesting facts about smiles and the act of smiling. Facts that we would like to share with everyone reading this right now. We hope that everyone enjoys the following facts.

• Faking a smile can improve a person’s mood.
• Smiling makes a person more approachable.
• The average woman smiles approximately 60-65 times a day.
• The average man smiles approximately 8-10 times a day.
• In 2019, Colgate sold almost 80 million units of toothpaste in the U.S.
• About half of the people will smile back if you smile at them.
• Smiling allegedly makes people more creative.
• Some doctors consider smiling to be an important type of medicine.
• Children laugh approximately 400 times a day.
• Smiling can use over 50 different muscles.
• Scientists have categorized 19 different types of smiles.
• A human being can detect a smile from a distance of approximately 100 meters away.
• Smiling is a known stress reducer.
• Smiling reduces blood pressure.
• Smiling is a sign of happiness that’s universal.
• Babies are naturally born with the ability to smile.

Observing National Smile Day

National Smile Day can be observed in several different ways. One, a person can take a few moments to share a smile with a friend, loved one, or even a complete stranger. Two, you can share some joy on social media using the hashtag #NationalSmileDay, and three, you can use the day to think about your own mental health by planning a trip to your dentist.