National Toothache Day (February 9)

ByClare Brown Updated on
Toothache. Frustrated young man touching his cheek and keeping eyes closed while sitting on the couch at home

Observed every February 9, National Toothache Day is a slightly uncomfortable reminder of how important oral health really is.

Instead of dreading dental problems, this quirky holiday flips the script by focusing on prevention, good habits, and a bit of history.

Whether you’re teaching kids about brushing, booking a long-overdue check-up, or just laughing at how relatable tooth pain can be, it’s a surprisingly useful day to have on the calendar.

When is the Holiday?

It’s celebrated on February 9th every year. This quirky date encourages dental awareness while giving a nod to the history of oral care.

Who Invented It?

No one knows exactly who started the holiday, but it likely grew out of dental awareness campaigns. Dentists and public health groups have long looked for creative ways to get people thinking about oral hygiene, and a slightly ironic holiday is hard to ignore.

By spotlighting toothaches, the day shifts attention toward prevention and everyday habits that keep your mouth healthy.

The History of the Holiday

Tooth pain isn’t new. Archaeological evidence shows even Neanderthals struggled with dental problems, long before modern treatment existed. Early remedies were rough, often involving crude extractions or herbal mixtures to dull the pain.

Over time, dentistry slowly evolved. Ancient Egyptians had dental specialists as early as 2500 BC, while Greek and Roman physicians documented early oral care practices. The biggest shift came in the 18th century when Pierre Fauchard published The Surgeon Dentist, laying the foundations for modern dentistry.

National Toothache Day connects to this long history by reminding us how far dental care has come, and why prevention still matters today. It keeps things light while quietly encouraging better habits.

woman with a toothache holding a glass of water

Top 5 Facts About the Holiday

  1. The term for tooth pain is “odontalgia.”
  2. Dentistry dates back to 7000 BC.
  3. Pierre Fauchard is known as the father of modern dentistry.
  4. Toothpaste became widely available in the late 1800s.
  5. National Toothache Day emphasizes preventing toothaches rather than enduring them.

Coloring Page

Grab the free National Toothache Day coloring page below for a simple way to talk about dental health with kids in a fun, low-pressure way.

National Toothache Day Coloring Page
Toothache Coloring Sheet

Activities to Celebrate

  • Book a dental check-up: Use the day as a reminder to schedule an appointment for you or your kids. It’s a great chance to ask for personalized tips on preventing toothaches.
  • Teach kids about oral hygiene: Make brushing fun with games, printables, or hands-on activities like a brushing chart or a model mouth they can “clean.”
  • Explore dental history and home remedies: Look into traditional toothache remedies or learn how dentistry has evolved over time. You can even try recreating an ancient technique (safely!) for fun.
  • Switch to zero-waste dental products: Try bamboo toothbrushes, toothpaste tablets, or eco-friendly alternatives and talk about how small choices help the planet.
  • Create a dental-themed craft: Make tooth-shaped art or decorate a tooth fairy box to reinforce good habits in a creative way.
  • Host a tooth-friendly snack challenge: Challenge the family to create low-sugar, calcium-rich snacks that support strong teeth.
man holding his face in pain at the dentist

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Links to Resources

  1. Maximum strength oral pain relief gel: Highly rated, fast-acting gels that target toothaches and gum pain. Helpful for short-term relief until you can see a dentist.
  2. Printable brushing charts: Make daily brushing routines easier for kids with simple, customizable charts that track morning and evening habits.
  3. Home remedies for toothaches: Learn about natural options like clove oil, saltwater rinses, and cold compresses to help manage pain and swelling.
  4. Dental health worksheets: Educational printables that teach kids why brushing, flossing, and dental visits matter.
  5. Dental health color by number sheets: Fun coloring activities that reinforce healthy teeth and gums while keeping younger kids engaged.
  6. Soft foods after oral surgery: A helpful list of gentle, nutritious foods like smoothies, soups, mashed potatoes, and yogurt for recovery days.

Related Holidays

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National Toothache Day February 9