According to Bishop Dionysius of Alexandria, who wrote about it soon after, she asked for a moment, and then walked into the fire herself. Because of what happened to her teeth, she became the patron of dentists and of anyone with toothache. Medieval paintings often show her holding a pair of pliers with a tooth in them.
Historical Context
A Prayer to St Apollonia for Toothache
St Apollonia, you suffered terrible pain in your mouth for Christ.
Pray for me in this toothache.
Ask God to ease the pain and heal what’s wrong,
and guide my dentist in treating it.
Give me patience until relief comes.
Amen.
Before a Dental Appointment
Lord, I’m nervous about this appointment.
Calm my fear, steady the dentist’s hands, and let it go well.
St Apollonia, pray for me.
Amen.
For Dentists and Dental Workers
St Apollonia, bless dentists, hygienists and assistants.
Give them skill, gentleness and patience with nervous patients.
Amen.
Best Times for This Prayer
- When you have a toothache.
- Before a dental procedure or a child’s first dentist visit.
- On 9 February, her feast.
Scripture Connection
“Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul.” — Matthew 10:28
Apollonia’s attackers could hurt her body, but not her faith. Her story is more about courage than teeth.
Related prayers
For other healing saints, see the St Blaise Prayer, Saint Lucy Prayer and Prayer for Headache.