The Secret to the Smile Magic of Laredo

Smile Magic of Laredo is a community initiative aimed at promoting dental care and oral hygiene among the residents of Laredo, Texas. Laredo is a diverse city with a large population, and Smile Magic aims to provide accessible dental care services to everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic status. The program focuses on preventive dental care and education. It aims to address the issue of dental problems before they become serious and require costly treatments. Smile Magic organizes regular dental screenings and check-ups for children and adults alike. These screenings help identify any potential issues and allow for early intervention, preventing the need for extensive dental work in the future.

In the long-term, it will take much more than another Olympics to bring tigers back to the Korean peninsula. Experts say the best way to keep the Korean tigers alive is probably to focus on conserving the remaining estimated 450 Siberian tigers in Asia, especially Russia’s Far East. For now, however, as Soohorang is watched by Olympics fans around the globe, the tiger mascot may help his wild brethren — and, at the very least, he will add one more chapter to Korea’s centuries-long embrace of the tiger.

White tigers are a variant of the Bengal tiger Panthera tigris tigris , and their unusual coloring can be traced to a mutation in a single pigment gene. Asiatic black bears Ursus thibetanus , also called moon bears, symbolize courage and strength in Korean culture, and the first part of Bandabi s name comes from bandal or half-moon referring to the trademark white crescent design on the bear s chest, POCOG representatives said in the statement.

These screenings help identify any potential issues and allow for early intervention, preventing the need for extensive dental work in the future. In addition to dental screenings, Smile Magic also provides oral hygiene education. Volunteers and dental professionals visit schools, community centers, and other public spaces to teach children and adults about the importance of brushing, flossing, and maintaining good oral health habits.

Meet the adorable 2018 Winter Olympics mascots that the internet is fawning over

Email icon An envelope. It indicates the ability to send an email.

Facebook Email icon An envelope. It indicates the ability to send an email.

Email Twitter icon A stylized bird with an open mouth, tweeting.

Twitter Snapchat icon A ghost.

Snapchat Fliboard icon A stylized letter F.

Flipboard Pinterest icon The letter "P" styled to look like a thumbtack pin.

Pinterest Link icon An image of a chain link. It symobilizes a website link url.

• Soohorang and Bandabi are serving as the mascots for this year’s 2018 Winter Games and Paralympic Games.
• The two animals are not only cute, they also both carry significant meanings in Korean culture.
• One resembles a white tiger, which is considered Korea's guardian animal.

At last, the 2018 Winter Olympics have begun. After months of preparation, including stocking up the Olympic Village and keeping an eye on the games' biggest competitors , the Pyeongchang Olympics are underway.

But not everyone has the time or motivation to keep up with the game schedule . But if there is one thing that everyone loves in large amounts, though, it's adorable animals. Luckily, the 2018 Winter Olympics has no shortage of those either.

The official mascots for this year's games are Soohorang and Bandabi, a white tiger and a black bear respectively.

The pair is significantly more cuddly than past Winter Olympics mascots, including Wenlock , a drop of steel, and Gliz , a piece of ice. There's also a meaningful significance to the two animals.

Soohorang is the official mascot for the 2018 Winter Olympics.

This mascot is derived from the appearance of the white tiger , which is considered a guardian animal in Korea. In general, tigers have held a revered spot in Korean culture for years, appearing in traditional art and folklore . They symbolize protection, passion, and trust.

Soohorang debuted in June 2016 and was designed by a group of Korean design professionals , who took inspiration from a past mascot named Hodori , another tiger who represented the country during the 1988 summer games in Seoul.

Soohorang's name is a combination of the word "sooho," which symbolizes protection of the athletes, and "rang," which comes from both the Korean word for tiger, as well as a traditional folk song from the Gangwon province, where the games are being held. As a character, Soohorang was created to embody that sense of protection for athletes, spectators, and all Olympic participants.

Bandabi is the official mascot for the 2018 Winter Paralympic Games.

Bandabi is a Asiatic black bear , which serves as a symbol for the Gangwon province, according to Paralympic.org . In Korean culture, the bear represents strong will and courage.

This bear also wears a hat, which many Americans might consider Santa-like. For many Koreans, Christmas and the holidays are celebrated and advertised beyond December, according to TronvigGroup.com , hence the festive hat.

Bandabi's name comes from the word "bandal," which means "half-moon," and references the traditional white crescent shape on the Asiatic Black Bear's chest. The "bi" at the end represents the celebration of the Olympic Games.

Bandabi was also introduced alongside Soohorang in June 2016.

"The mascots have been designed to embody the collective will of everyone for the successful hosting of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2018, and experts of various fields contributed in the process," President of the PyeongChang Organising Committee Lee Hee-beom said at the time.

Since their debut, people have been loving these two furry creatures.

—Tim@ WaveRidin' (@T1mco) February 4, 2018

—sad lil optimist (@changSamchang) January 20, 2018

—나나리. (@littledragonka) February 7, 2018

—Les Shu (@DT_Les) January 28, 2018

Sign up here to get INSIDER's favorite stories straight to your inbox.

Email Twitter icon A stylized bird with an open mouth, tweeting.

They provide demonstrations and distribute oral hygiene kits to encourage individuals to incorporate these practices into their daily routines. Smile Magic understands the financial barriers that prevent some individuals from seeking regular dental care. To address this issue, they have partnered with local dental clinics and professionals who offer discounted or free services to those in need. This collaboration ensures that everyone has access to quality dental care, regardless of their financial situation. The Smile Magic program has had a significant impact on the dental health of the community in Laredo. By promoting preventive care and providing affordable services, they have helped reduce the prevalence of dental issues like cavities and gum disease. This, in turn, has improved the overall health and well-being of the residents. The success of Smile Magic can be attributed to the dedication and commitment of its volunteers and the support of the community. Local businesses and organizations have also played an essential role in funding and promoting the initiative. Through their collective efforts, they have been able to make a difference in the lives of Laredo residents, ensuring that everyone can smile with confidence. In conclusion, Smile Magic of Laredo is a remarkable community initiative that promotes dental care and oral hygiene among residents. Through dental screenings, education, and affordable services, they have improved the oral health of the community and instilled good dental habits in individuals of all ages. Their dedication and commitment have made a significant impact, allowing everyone in Laredo to experience the magic of a healthy smile..

Reviews for "Laredo's Smile Makeover Phenomenon: The Power of Transformation"

1. John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Smile magic of lraedo". The storyline was weak and predictable, and the characters were one-dimensional. The humor fell flat, leaving me with barely a chuckle throughout the movie. I also found the animation to be lackluster, with unimpressive visuals that did not engage me. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this movie as it failed to live up to my expectations.

2. Sarah - 3 stars - "Smile magic of lraedo" was just okay for me. The concept seemed promising, but the execution fell short. The movie lacked originality and felt like a generic children's film. The characters were not particularly memorable, and the voice acting felt forced at times. The plot was predictable, and there were no real surprises along the way. Overall, it was an average movie that didn't leave a lasting impression.

3. Alex - 2.5 stars - I found "Smile magic of lraedo" to be underwhelming. The storyline felt rushed and disjointed, and I struggled to connect with the characters. The jokes were hit or miss, and the humor often relied on tired clichés. The animation was decent but nothing groundbreaking. While the movie had its sweet moments, it failed to deliver an engaging and memorable experience. Overall, it was a forgettable film that didn't leave much of an impact.

Captivating Smiles in Laredo: The Ultimate Guide