Each year, National Smile Month is celebrated from mid-May to mid-June to highlight the importance of good oral health and a healthy smile. Started in the United Kingdom, National Smile Month is now celebrated in countries all around the world.
We can’t think of a better way to celebrate than highlighting the quokka, the most smiley animal on the planet. Whether you need a reason to smile or facts to impress your friends, keep reading to learn more about this famous marsupial who is considered to have the best smile in the animal kingdom.
Facts about Quokkas
Quokkas (pronounced kwaa-kuhs) are arguably one of the cutest animals around.
Here are five things you need to know about them:
1. Quokkas are known as the happiest animals worldwide: These animals have friendly personalities and are constantly seen with smiles on their faces. Quokkas don’t fight over their territory, which isn’t a shock given their personalities. They’ve even been known to hop into shops on Rottnest Island in Australia to say hello to customers!
2. How quokkas get their smiles: Quokkas are hardly seen without a grin, but what’s making them smile? Although you may think quokkas are happy to see you, their smile is largely due to their “facial muscles and protruding front teeth.” Quokka’s front teeth are similar to other marsupials, including “kangaroos, wallabies, possums, koalas, and wombats.”
3. Quokkas can go extended periods without food and water: Quokkas store fat in their short tails, which allows them to go weeks without eating anything. Additionally, quokkas can go months without drinking water. Most of the water they consume comes from the plants they eat.
4. Eating habits: Quokkas not only go weeks without eating, but these herbivores also regurgitate the grass and leaves they eat. They swallow their food without chewing, then regurgitate it and eat it again.
5. Friendly, but not harmless: Although it may look like these marsupials are looking to be pet or cuddled, they’re still wild animals. We recommend watching quokkas from a distance because, despite their cute look, they can bite.
Looking for more fun animal facts? Check out this blog about cow teeth.
How to take care of your smile during National Smile Month
As cute as a quokka’s smile is, we think that a healthy human smile is just as nice to see! Make sure to brush your teeth each morning and night, floss once daily, and see your dentist twice a year to keep your smile shining and healthy.
For more information on how to keep smiles healthy, check out this blog.