Valentine’s Day isn’t the only “special” day in February. While this candy-filled holiday takes the spotlight in what is traditionally the coldest month of the year, another – albeit less enticing and not as official – observance takes place on the 9th of this month, National Toothache Day.
What is Toothache Day?!
National Toothache Day is a day set aside to either celebrate the fact that you are toothache free or to finally pick up the phone and call a dentist about your lingering tooth pain.
According to TimeandDate.com, no one is sure where Toothache Day came from, though it is strongly suspected it was initially the effort of one or more dentists who wanted to raise awareness of the dangers a toothache may be implying. Perhaps not as glamorous and certainly not as sexy as Valentine’s Day, Toothache Day is, nonetheless, observed just before the Holiday of Love and offers a good reminder to check your oral health before you start kissing someone.
What Causes Toothaches?
National Toothache Day may come off as lighthearted, but there is nothing humorous about a toothache. In fact, it may constitute a dental emergency.
Barring general sensitivity, which can occur with age, tooth whitening, or after eating too much sugar, a toothache is a symptom of something more sinister. When ignored or left untreated, even a toothache that begins as a minor concern can become a serious problem.
The leading causes of toothache are:
- Enamel erosion
- Chipped or cracked tooth enamel
- Tooth decay
- Infected tooth pulp
- Gum disease
Enamel erosion may be a result of brushing too hard, using an abrasive toothpaste, or failing to remove sugar and starch from the teeth. Enamel erosion is also part of the aging process.
Trauma, such as chips, cracks, can allow bacteria and debris to enter deep into the tooth, often causing decay or infection. Both of these issues can cause tooth pain, sensitivity, and general discomfort. In some cases, tooth infection may be accompanied by an abscess, which can produce further discomfort.
Gum disease can lead to tooth pain. It can also lead to tooth loss and more worrisome issues including jaw necrosis. Equally troubling, when gingivitis progresses to periodontitis, risks for heart attack and stroke, certain types of cancer, kidney and liver failure, memory loss, and more are significantly increased.
Addressing a toothache as soon as it begins is the best way to prevent serious oral and systemic health complications from arising. If you are experiencing tooth pain, call us today to schedule an appointment and let us help restore comfort and protect your health.
Treating Tooth Pain
The appropriate treatment for your tooth pain will be dependent on the cause. Enamel erosion and surface chips and cracks are treatable with dental veneers or bonding. Tooth decay responds well to tooth-colored fillings or inlays/onlays. Tooth infection may require root canal therapy and a dental crown, while gum disease often responds well to scaling and root planing and laser gum therapy.
No matter the appropriate treatment, toothaches are curable. If you are living with pain, take time this National Toothache Day to call 212-452-3344 and schedule an examination at the Manhattan office of NYC Smile Design. Dr. Elisa Mello and Dr. Ramin Tabib offer several safe, effective, and aesthetically pleasing treatment options that can free you from pain and protect the health of your mouth and body for years to come.
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