National Show Your Smile Month, celebrated in May, was created by John Chao — the dentist who found a way to fix receding gums, using the Pinhole Surgical technique. The holiday raises public awareness about receding gums and other gum-related issues. It also encourages everyone to feel confident about their teeth and show their smile. Many believe that gum recessions only affect seniors, but that is a myth. They affect people of all ages. The good news is that people with gum recession have many treatment options, including the Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation treatment which does not require gum grafting surgery.
History of National Show Your Smile Month
National Show Your Smile Month was created by Dr. John Chao, the inventor of the Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation technique. The date on which the holiday was created is unclear, however, Dr. Chao’s remarkable life and medical career are truly page-worthy. Chao was born in China but emigrated as a young boy with his family to the United States during World War II. He graduated from high school and then the USC School of Dentistry in 1967. Immediately after his graduation, Chao opened his own dental practice in Monterey Park.
In the late 1990s, Dr. Chao attained a law degree from Southwestern Law School in Los Angeles while maintaining a full-time dental practice. In 2000, he introduced the Pinhole Surgical technique. The method was minimally invasive and did not require cutting the tissue, unlike gum grafting.
In 2012, Dr. Chao’s Pinhole Surgical technique was published in the International Journal of Periodontics and Restorative Dentistry, and somewhere along the line, Chao started National Show Your Smile Month to advocate for healthy dentition. He wanted people to be aware of the new method of correcting receding gums without conventional gum grafting surgery.
In 2013, the Pinhole Academy was established, to train and grant licenses to dentists in the Pinhole Surgical technique. Today, John Chao D.D.S. has trained over 3,000 doctors in the Pinhole procedure which is available across the U.S., Canada, Europe, Asia, and South America.
National Show Your Smile Month timeline
Chao graduates from the USC School of Dentistry.
Dr. John Chao invents the Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation technique to treat gum recession.
The International Journal of Periodontics and Restorative Dentistry publishes Dr. Chao's Pinhole Surgical technique.
The Pinhole Academy is established to train dentists in the Pinhole Surgical technique.
National Show Your Smile Month FAQs
Can teeth fall out from gum recession?
When gums recede to a great extent, teeth loosen and fall out.
Is gum recession quick?
Gum recession doesn’t occur rapidly but the signs such as gum inflammation and bleeding come to light quickly.
Is gum grafting safe?
Gum grafting is a highly safe and effective procedure.
National Show Your Smile Month Activities
Book a dental checkup
If you have not gone for your yearly dental checkup, book an appointment for one today. It’s the perfect time to get your teeth and gums checked.
Cultivate good dental habits
When you take good care of your teeth, you boost your self-confidence in your smile. Brush and floss your teeth every day, and take extra care in proper oral habits to prevent gum recession.
Share on social media
Help create awareness on social media by posting about the holiday. Share new information about receding gums and newly available treatment options.
5 Interesting Facts About Gums And Teeth
Brushing too hard can damage your gums
Brushing too hard and too frequently can harm your gums and lead to gum recession.
Gum disease is contagious
Kissing or sharing a toothbrush with an infected person can put you at risk because the bacteria that cause gum diseases can be exchanged through saliva.
Built-up plaque recedes gums
The bacterial infection caused by built-up dental plaque can lead to receding gums.
Tooth prints are unique
Tooth prints are like fingerprints as they are unique to each person.
Tooth enamel is harder than bones
The hardest substance found in the human body, which is even tougher than your bones, is tooth enamel.
Why We Love National Show Your Smile Month
It keeps our gums and teeth healthy
The holiday reminds people to cultivate good dental hygiene by brushing and flossing the right way. People also learn about other ways to keep their teeth and gums healthy.
It prevents gum diseases
We get to know more about gum diseases and gain knowledge on how to avoid them. We also learn about treatments available for gum diseases.
We become confident about our smiles
National Show Your Smile Month is here to boost everyone's confidence and widen their smiles. After all, nothing soothes the heart as much as a beautiful, warm smile.
National Show Your Smile Month dates
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2025 | May 1 | Thursday |
2026 | May 1 | Friday |
2027 | May 1 | Saturday |
2028 | May 1 | Monday |
2029 | May 1 | Tuesday |