First, what even counts as a dental emergency?

We’re not talking about a little zing from cold water. We’re talking real pain. The kind that stops you mid-sentence. Wakes you up at night. Makes you want to Google things like “Can you pull your own tooth out safely?” (Please don’t.)

A dental emergency is any pain, swelling, or injury in your mouth that needs urgent attention. It could be a toothache, a cracked tooth, something stuck under the gums, or an infection that’s starting to swell up.

If your tooth hurts bad enough to search for relief at 2 a.m., it’s an emergency.

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Why you shouldn't just tough it out

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Look, we get it. You’re busy. You’ve got work, plans, or maybe you’re scared of the dentist. But here’s the truth: tooth pain is your body throwing up a big red flag.

It doesn’t just go away. Infections spread. Cavities grow. Nerves get angry. And the longer you wait, the worse—and more expensive—it gets.

The good news? There are things you can do right now to feel better.

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Five proven ways to relieve a toothache fast

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‍Rinse with warm salt water

It’s simple, but don’t underestimate it. Mix a teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water and gently swish it around your mouth. This helps reduce inflammation and cleans out bacteria. Bonus: it soothes sore gums.

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Use a cold compress

Got swelling? Grab a bag of frozen peas or an ice pack, wrap it in a towel, and press it against your cheek for 15 to 20 minutes. It’ll numb the area and bring down inflammation fast. Just don’t put ice directly on your tooth.

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Take over-the-counter pain relief

Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help take the edge off while you wait for your appointment. Just follow the instructions and don’t double up unless a doctor says it’s okay. Pro tip: don’t put aspirin directly on the gums—it won’t help and it can actually burn the tissue.

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Try a clove oil dab

Clove oil is a natural anesthetic. You can find it at most drugstores. Dab a tiny bit on a cotton ball and gently press it against the sore spot. It tastes weird, but it numbs things fast. (Just don’t overdo it.)

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Keep your head elevated

When you lie flat, blood rushes to your head, which can make the pain throb harder. Prop yourself up with pillows, especially at night. Elevation helps reduce pressure and swelling.

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What NOT to do when you have tooth pain

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Let’s just make a quick list of bad ideas:

• Don’t ignore the pain and hope it disappears.
• Don’t start poking around with tweezers or sharp objects.
• Don’t chew on the sore side “to test it.”
• Don’t skip meals or go heavy on sugar to cope.
• And again, don’t put aspirin directly on your gums. That myth needs to retire.

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When to call the dentist (spoiler: sooner is better)

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If your tooth pain lasts more than a day or two, gets worse, or comes with swelling, fever, or a bad taste in your mouth, it’s time to call. Like, now.

Pain is never “just part of life.” It’s your body’s way of saying something is off. And if you’re dealing with an abscess or nerve pain, the clock is ticking.

We offer same-day emergency dental visits here in Calgary’s Beltline. You’ll get seen fast, treated kindly, and leave with a plan that makes the pain stop—for good.

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Let's get you out of pain - for real

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You deserve to feel better. You deserve to eat, sleep, talk, and live without thinking about your tooth every five seconds.

We’ve helped hundreds of Calgarians find fast relief, and we’d be happy to help you too. No lectures. No shame. Just real solutions, real quick.

Contact us at the clinic directly for a same-day emergency dental appointment. We’ll get you out of pain and back to your life.

Toothaches aren’t forever. Let’s fix it.