Today, Friday 9th February, is National Toothache Day.
“National Toothache Day is certainly not anything to smile about as toothache usually makes those who suffer from it very miserable. A toothache can make it difficult for someone to eat, drink, sleep and even talk.” Michaela ONeill, President of the BSDHT.
The purpose of this special day is to raise awareness of the need for good oral hygiene to prevent toothache.
The good news is that it’s easier to treat toothache now than it was in the past.
These days we can make an emergency appointment with our dentist, and modern medicine will soon make the pain just a bad memory. But it hasn’t always been like that. The Museum of Healthcare outlines some creative treatments that may, or may not, have been effective.
A toothkey used for extractions – The Museum of Healthcare
You may want to skip this list if you’re a bit squeamish.
We recommend you don’t try these treatments at home!
- dab on oil of cloves
- chew a hot chilli
- pack the tooth with herbs, or fumigate with burning herbs
- fill the cavity with wax, and burn with a hot probe
- wrap a caterpillar in a red cloth and put it under the tooth
- apply a dead mouse
- spit in a frog’s mouth under a full moon
- extract with a toothkey
Up-to-date advice to prevent toothache, from the British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy:
“By following these six simple tips you can help to prevent any serious problems developing in the future:
- Cut down on how often you have sugary foods and drinks.
- Brush your teeth last thing at night and at least one other time during the day for two minutes, with a fluoride toothpaste.
- Clean between your teeth at least once a day with inter-dental brushes or dental floss.
- Visit your dental team regularly, as often as they recommend.
- Chew sugar-free gum to protect your teeth and gums in between meals when it may not be possible to brush with a toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Wait an hour after eating or drinking anything acidic before brushing your teeth so your saliva can help the enamel to ‘re-mineralise’ and harden again.”
Our advice:
- Regular visits to the dentist and hygienist/therapist will help you, and your children, to avoid toothache.
- Ask SpaDental about patient payment plans, to help budget for the cost of regular appointments.