If you watch the news or scroll through social media, you’re likely to see events and articles celebrating and talking about little-known national holidays. And, while days like “Hot Dog Day,” “Stuffed Mushroom Day,” “Umbrella Day,” and “National Lost Penny Day” may seem silly, there’s an upcoming holiday that the staff at the Dental Centre of Conroe finds quite interesting: National Toothache Day on February 9th. So, in today’s blog, your Conroe, TX, dentist will teach about National Toothache Day, and how to avoid celebrating this particular holiday with its namesake.

Why Is There a National Toothache Day?

National Toothache Day began in the 2000s, though no one seems to know who was the first to celebrate this odd national holiday. However, the holiday is still significant because it reminds us that toothaches can happen to anyone, and it is important to both know how to care for a toothache and how to prevent one in the first place.

How Do I Prevent a Toothache?

You can prevent a toothache by practicing good oral hygiene. At home, brushing twice a day and being sure to floss every day will help to rid your smile of plaque, which contains the bacteria that creates acid to break down your teeth, causing decay and gingivitis (gum disease). However, plaque is hard and sticky, so brushing and flossing alone usually aren’t enough to eradicate it completely- and that’s where your dentist comes in! The American Dental Association recommends, for the health of your smile, that you attend regular dental cleanings and checkups at least once every six months (or as often as your dentist recommends). At these cleanings, our staff use tools and techniques to carefully remove the stuck plaque, keeping your teeth as healthy as possible, and Dr. Richards will also examine your smile to make sure there are no areas of concern. In this way, we can prevent dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease before they ever get so bad that they cause a toothache.

What If I Still Get a Toothache?

If you find yourself with a toothache, especially a persistent one that doesn’t go away after a few seconds or minutes, the best thing you can do for your dental health is to call your dentist right away and schedule an appointment. With a severe toothache, you may be experiencing a dental emergency, and you can make an appointment to come into our office that day. In the meantime, taking over-the-counter pain relievers and using an ice pack on the outside of your face opposite your toothache can help to ease the pain while you wait.

Ready to Stop Toothaches Before They Start?

Good oral health starts at home, but it continues in our office. If you want to celebrate National Toothache Day totally toothache-free, contact the Dental Centre of Conroe to schedule a checkup and cleaning by calling (936) 441-4600. We serve patients from Conroe, TX, and the neighboring communities.