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Patron Saint of Toothache

Category: Health & Illness

St. Apollonia is the patron saint invoked against toothache. According to the ancient account of her martyrdom at Alexandria, her persecutors broke or knocked out all her teeth — and for this reason Catholics suffering dental pain have invoked her aid for many centuries. She is traditionally depicted holding a tooth in a pair of pincers.

In Catholic tradition, patron saints are holy men and women whose lives and intercession are considered especially suited to particular needs, groups, or situations. The Church's practice of invoking saints reflects the doctrine of the Communion of Saints — the belief that the faithful departed remain united with the living in the one Body of Christ and can intercede before God on our behalf. The designation of a patron saint for “Toothache” reflects centuries of Catholic popular devotion and, in many cases, formal recognition by popes or bishops.

Patron Saint of Toothache

Popularly invoked patronage — widely recognized in Catholic tradition.

Primary Patron
Saint Apollonia
Feast Day
February 9

Saint Apollonia is invoked against toothache. She was an aged deaconess of Alexandria who suffered martyrdom in the year 249, during an anti-Christian riot in the city under the emperor Philip, as described by Saint Dionysius of Alexandria in a letter preserved by the historian Eusebius. The mob seized her and, according to the traditional account, struck her on the jaw and broke out all her teeth; when they kindled a fire and threatened to burn her alive unless she repeated their blasphemies, she asked for a moment’s freedom and then, of her own accord, leapt into the flames. Because of the manner of her death, she became from early times the patroness of those suffering from toothache and of dentists, and in Christian art she is shown holding a tooth gripped in a pair of pincers. Her feast is kept on February 9. Source: catholic.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the patron saint of toothache?

Saint Apollonia is the primary patron saint of toothache. Their feast day is February 9.

What is a patron saint?

A patron saint is a holy man or woman canonized by the Church whose life and heavenly intercession are considered especially powerful for particular needs, groups, or situations. Catholics ask patron saints to intercede — to pray to God on their behalf — drawing on the doctrine of the Communion of Saints.

How do I ask for Apollonia's intercession?

To ask for a patron saint's intercession, Catholics typically pray directly to the saint, saying something like: "Apollonia, pray for us." You may also light a candle, attend Mass on their feast day, or make a novena — nine days of consecutive prayer — asking for their help before a particular need.

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