National Toothache Day, February 9, 2024

National Toothache Day, February 9th, serves as a reminder of the importance of oral health and the discomfort toothaches can bring. Toothaches are primarily caused by dental cavities (caries), which result from tooth decay. Other causes are gum disease, tooth root exposure, cracked teeth, or jaw disorders. Caries have been detected in human fossils, indicating that dental issues have plagued humanity for millennia; oldest manipulation ("treatment") in a human molar in Italy dated 14k years ago. The first recorded reference to toothaches dates to ancient Sumer, around 5000 BC, described as "tooth worms". The main bacteria responsible for toothache are Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus (Caries), Actinomyces (Root caries), and Porphyromonas gingivalis (Periodontitis). Caries are much rarer in mammals that don't have a sugar-rich diet, or that have a more basic pH environment in their mouth, like cats and dogs. Dental caries is one of the most common health problems globally, affecting over 2 billion people and half a billion children. To combat toothaches and prevent dental caries, it's essential to maintain good oral hygiene practices: Regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, reducing sugar intake, and visiting the dentist for check-ups and cleanings. Fluoride treatments and dental sealants can offer extra protection against cavities. More: https://bit.ly/3uoNdzk https://bit.ly/495PVJl https://bit.ly/48ZV1GS Art&Text supported by ChatGPT.