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International Toothache Day marks the martyrdom of Saint Apollonia, the patron saint of Dentistry in 249 AD. Apollonia was a young virgin, Christian woman, who was killed in a pogrom against Christians within Egypt. Part of her torture included having all of her teeth pulled out, which is why she is associated with dentistry.
These were the early days of Christianity, nearly four hundred years before Islam and a hundred years before Constantine would convert the entire Roman empire to Christianity. It was a dangerous time to be Christian. They were hated and hunted by the Hebrews and Romans. This particular pogrom against the Christians began due to an Egyptian poet's prophesy that great harm was to come to the people of Alexandria. The cause, he said, would be the Christians, and therefore, the Christians needed to be eliminated.
At the time of Apollonia, living to the age of 50 was considered old. By the time most people died, many had lost their teeth. Today with modern tooth paste and brushes, not to mention dental care, most of us retain our teeth into old age.
Today is a day to reflect on the importance of dental health, remember the sacrifice of Apollonia, the cost of judging others by their faith. And for those of faith, it is a day to thank God for every tooth we have.
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