NATIONAL TOOTHACHE DAY
National Toothache Day on February 9th is a not so subtle reminder of the importance of dental care. Also known as odontalgia, a toothache is pain generating from a tooth or multiple teeth.
#NationalToothacheDay
A toothache can make us miserable, making it difficult to eat, sleep, or sometimes even talk. It’s safe to say, toothaches are never pleasant and not really something to celebrate.
We can, however, be aware of how to prevent toothaches.
Routine dental care is an essential first step. Avoiding sugary foods and acidic drinks and daily brushing and flossing are important, too. Even so, we can still develop cavities, have accidents that break or chip at a tooth, or find ourselves with an infection. Teeth can also become sensitive to heat or cold.
Treating a toothache in the short term may be simply handled by over-the-counter treatments, but seeing a dentist may still be required to resolve the issue. Some toothaches are so severe as to require emergency intervention, thus treating the early signs of a mild toothache is important.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL TOOTHACHE DAY
- Be proactive. Take care of your dental hygiene every day by brushing, flossing and avoiding too many sweets.
- Eat lots of fresh, crunchy vegetables.
- Schedule a dentist appointment.
- Discover home remedies until you can see the dentist.
- Smile!
- Use #NationalToothacheDay to post on social media.
NATIONAL TOOTHACHE DAY HISTORY
National Day Calendar has gnawed over the research but still finds no origin story to go with this achingly interesting holiday. However, we do believe it’s been celebrated longer than the dance move called the floss.
Toothache FAQ
Q. What causes toothaches?
A. A variety of factors may cause a tooth or multiple teeth to ache.
- A broken or cracked tooth
- Cavities caused by bacteria
- Tooth sensitivity
- Sinus infections and congestion
- Gum disease
- Grinding teeth
- Abscess
- Ear infection
Q. How do dentists treat tooth pain?
A. Depending on the cause of the tooth pain, a dentist may repair the tooth or cavity. They may also need to remove the tooth. If they are able to save the affected tooth, a root canal may be an option, too. For thinning enamel, a toothpaste that reduces sensitivity may be helpful.
Q. How often should I brush my teeth?
A. The American Dental Association recommends that we brush our teeth twice a day.