Submitted by Luis Placencia, Marketing Associate
As a child, the dentist was always my arch-nemesis, particularly when it came to treating my toothaches. Four molar extractions and wisdom teeth later, I can’t stop flossing even the tiniest specks off my teeth, which is understandable given the value of our teeth. They are our partners in crime. Every time we savor a delicious dinner or enjoy our favorite ice cream, our teeth are there to help – which is why it’s so important to take care of our dental hygiene!
As a way to remind the public of the need for good dental hygiene, National Toothache Day was established as an annual holiday on February 9th, and let me tell you, toothaches are becoming more prevalent among people of all ages these days. This can be caused by a lack of proper oral hygiene or a hereditary predisposition. Toothaches are an especially common occurrence in low-income communities as they often have limited access to oral health know-how and financial resources for items like toothpaste and floss. The reasons behind this can range from not indulging in good dental practices to some genetic issues. Toothaches, also known as odontalgia, are a severe health problem since they may cause you to lose your feeling of well-being. Toothaches make it difficult to talk, eat, sleep, and even clean your teeth. Unfortunately, they are often signal to upcoming cavities or more serious and costly issues.
This is why Esperança is providing preventative health education AND resources like toothbrushes, floss and toothpaste that community members need to avoid painful and costly dental issues.
Since National Toothache Day commemorates one of the most agonizing experiences a human can go through, it’s unlikely that anybody would wish to celebrate it. Instead, it’s likely to be a day when individuals reevaluate their oral hygiene regimens. There are several other things you can do to keep your teeth and gums healthy, such as:
- scheduling an appointment for a dental exam
- brushing for at least 2 minutes
- Switching out your toothbrush (every 3 months!)
Don’t forget to show your support and use the hashtag #NationalToothacheDay to spread the word about this special day to others in your circle.
