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National Toothache Day (February 9)

Check out the weird holiday National Toothache Day on February 9. Learn the history of toothaches, and get ideas on how to celebrate.

One weird holiday on February 9 is National Toothache Day. Check out the other weird February holidays!

History of National Toothache Day

This weird holiday was most likely created by dentists who wanted to remind their patients to pay attention to their oral care in order to PREVENT toothaches.

Toothaches and cavities probably go back to the first human, and the traditional method of dealing with toothaches was to just pull out that tooth. Dentistry as a profession goes as far back as 7000 BC.

The official name for toothache is odontalgia, which is pain coming from a tooth or multiple teeth.

The best way to prevent toothaches is by taking care of your teeth! Flossing and brushing at least morning and night are vital, as is avoiding sugary foods and acidic drinks.

Toothaches don’t always come from cavities – sometimes the tooth is cracked or chipped, or they’re sensitive to heat or cold.

By the time the 1700s came about, dentistry was becoming more of a defined profession. A French surgeon by the name of Pierre Fauchard published his book “The Surgeon Dentist: a Treatise on Teeth” which explained how to care for teeth, how to install fillings, and that sugar was one of the primary causes of tooth decay.

The American Dental Association was formed in 1859 by 26 dentists who met in Niagara Falls, New York. They wanted to encourage high professional national standards amongst dentists, increase scientific research, and promote oral hygiene to teh public.

Mass-produced toothpaste was first invented by Colgate in 1873, and toothbrushes soon followed.

It wasn’t until the end of WWII that Americans began to take oral hygiene more seriously. Soldiers who had been sent overseas came home with the knowledge from other countries.

Ideas for National Toothache Day

Got a toothache? Or want to learn more about how to prevent them? Here are some ideas for you!

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