May is Save Your Tooth Month, a time to shine a spotlight on the importance of saving natural teeth and the specialists who make it possible: endodontists! Organized by the American Association of Endodontists (AAE), this month-long celebration raises awareness about how timely, expert dental care can relieve pain and preserve smiles. Endodontists specialize in root canal treatment, diagnosing and relieving tooth pain and saving teeth from cracks and trauma. Save Your Tooth Month reminds everyone that natural teeth are worth saving — and that highly skilled endodontists are the superheroes behind successful, lasting treatment. Join us this May to prioritize your oral health and keep your smile strong!
History of Save Your Tooth Month
The American Association of Endodontists (AAE), founded in 1943, has always emphasized the value of saving natural teeth. Recognizing the need to educate the public about the specialty of endodontics — and to highlight the advanced training, skills, and dedication of endodontists — the AAE launched Save Your Tooth Month as an annual celebration.
The campaign officially took off in the early 2000s, initially as a week-long event called “Root Canal Awareness Week.” As interest grew and public understanding of the importance of saving teeth deepened, the celebration expanded into a month-long observance. The goal evolved beyond just promoting root canal treatments to encompassing the broader mission of tooth preservation, pain relief, and wellness.
Today, Save Your Tooth Month focuses on empowering patients with knowledge about how modern endodontic care can prevent tooth loss, eliminate dental pain, and enhance quality of life. It also spotlights the latest advancements in endodontics, including technology like 3D imaging and microsurgical techniques, which make saving teeth more successful, accessible and painless than ever before.
Each May, endodontists, dentists, and patients celebrate Save Your Tooth Month with a social media campaign (#SYTM2025), educational outreach, and community events. The AAE provides resources like the FindMyEndodontist.com directory and maintains initiatives like Worth Saving, a campaign that champions the value of preserving natural teeth as a key part of overall health and wellness.
Save Your Tooth Month timeline
The American Association of Endodontists is established to advance the science and art of endodontics and advocate for the preservation of natural teeth.
The AAE debuts a week-long event to raise awareness about the benefits of root canal treatments.
AAE launches the Worth Saving initiative to promote the value of saving natural teeth to public audiences. Root Canal Awareness Week becomes Save Your Tooth Month, growing into a broader, month-long observance of endodontists’ efforts.
Save Your Tooth Month FAQs
What’s the difference between a dentist and an endodontist?
While all endodontists are dentists, less than 3% of dentists are endodontists. An endodontist is a dentist who’s had an additional two to three years of training in relieving pain and saving teeth. Just like an orthodontist specializes in aligning teeth or a periodontist specializes in gum disease, an endodontist focuses on treating the small spaces inside teeth. They’re the root canal experts.
How do root canals save teeth?
During a root canal, the inflamed or infected pulp inside the roots of the tooth is removed. The roots are cleaned, disinfected, and refilled. The tooth is rid of infection which rids the patient of pain or discomfort almost instantly. The tooth returns to normal and is saved from further decay.
If my tooth is infected, cracked, or knocked out, wouldn’t it be easier to just pull it and get an implant?
Not necessarily. Saving your natural tooth is usually the best option. Endodontic treatment is less expensive, less invasive, and faster than getting an implant. Natural teeth also maintain better function and alignment, and they can last a lifetime — something an implant can’t always guarantee.
Are root canals safe?
Root canal treatment is a scientifically proven, safe, and effective way to save your natural tooth. Thanks to modern technology like advanced 3D imaging and powerful microscopes, endodontists can precisely diagnose and treat the problem inside your tooth. They are experts at navigating the complex anatomy of teeth, ensuring treatment is thorough, comfortable, and successful.
How can I participate in Save Your Tooth Month?
You can participate by promoting good oral health habits, finding an endodontist if needed, and sharing your tooth-saving stories online using #SYTM2025!
How to Celebrate Save Your Tooth Month
Find an endodontist and refer yourself
If you’re experiencing tooth pain, visit FindMyEndodontist.com to locate a specialist near you. You don’t need a referral to be seen, and they can likely get you in right away!
Share the love on social media
Celebrate by sharing your tooth-saving story or thanking your endodontist with the hashtag #SYTM2025.
Boost your oral health
Commit to protecting your teeth by brushing, flossing, and scheduling regular dental checkups — it’s never too late to start strong!
5 Key Facts
Nothing looks, feels or functions like your natural teeth
While implants are a good option for a tooth that absolutely cannot be saved, preserving your body’s natural dentition should always be your first choice.
Root canals save millions of teeth
Over 15 million root canals are performed each year, preserving millions of natural smiles.
Endodontists are tooth-saving experts
After dental school, endodontists complete two to three additional years of specialized training focused on the insides of our teeth and how to treat pain. They are the root canal experts.
Modern root canals are painless
Thanks to advances in technology and anesthesia, today’s root canals — especially when done by endodontists—are pain-free. Patients frequently fall asleep in the chair during their procedure!
Natural teeth last longer
A saved natural tooth can often last a lifetime with proper care, compared to the limited lifespan of dental implants or bridges.
Why We Love Save Your Tooth Month
Natural is best
Keeping your natural teeth helps maintain the strength, function, and beauty of your smile better than any artificial replacement.
Endodontists are everyday heroes
From sports injuries to sudden toothaches, endodontists swoop in to rescue teeth and eliminate pain, improving lives every day.
Saving teeth supports wellness
Oral health is tied to overall health — saving teeth helps prevent complications that could affect systemic health.
Save Your Tooth Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | May 1 | Thursday |
| 2026 | May 1 | Friday |
| 2027 | May 1 | Saturday |
| 2028 | May 1 | Monday |
| 2029 | May 1 | Tuesday |
