Common Stampede Week Dental Emergencies: Broken Teeth, Toothaches, and What To Do Fast
The Calgary Stampede is the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth! Midway treats, late-night concerts, pancake breakfasts, corporate parties, and packed family schedules. But dental emergencies don’t wait for the fireworks to finish or your schedule to clear.
A cracked tooth from a stray popcorn kernel, a sudden throbbing toothache, or a lost filling can instantly derail your Stampede fun. When pain strikes, knowing what to do in the first few minutes can save your tooth and stop the pain.
If you’re caught with a Stampede week dental emergency, call Dentists at Beddington Heights right away.
Common Dental Emergencies During Stampede Week
Between eating different foods on the grounds and spending long hours away from home, your teeth take a beating during Stampede. Some of the most common emergencies we see include:
- Broken, chipped, or fractured teeth
- Severe, throbbing toothaches
- Lost fillings or crowns (often thanks to sticky caramel apples!)
- Swollen gums or facial swelling
- Knocked-out teeth from accidental bumps in heavy crowds
- Food or debris painfully wedged between teeth and gums
Some problems can wait a day or two, but others need urgent care. Here is how to handle the most common issues fast.
What To Do If You Break or Chip a Tooth
Whether it’s a hard candy, a mini-donut mishap, or an unexpected bone in your BBQ ribs, a broken tooth needs attention.
- Rinse your mouth gently with warm water to clean the area.
- Save any broken tooth pieces if you can find them.
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek if you experience swelling.
- Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth.
- Call us immediately. Even if it doesn’t hurt right away, an exposed inner layer of the tooth can quickly become infected or highly sensitive.
What To Do If You Have an Intense Toothache
A sudden toothache can make it impossible to enjoy the grounds.
- Rinse with warm salt water and gently floss around the area to ensure food isn’t just trapped.
- Take over-the-counter pain relief as directed (do not place aspirin directly on the gums, as it will burn the tissue).
- If the pain keeps you awake, is accompanied by a fever, or causes visible facial swelling, it’s a sign of an infection. Seek immediate emergency dental care.
What To Do If a Tooth Gets Knocked Out
Crowded midway lines or accidents can sometimes result in a knocked-out tooth. Time is critical here—acting within 30 to 60 minutes can save the tooth.
- Pick up the tooth by the crown (chewing surface), never the root.
- Rinse it gently with milk or water if it’s dirty (do not scrub it).
- Try to place it back in the socket. If you can’t, keep it safely submerged in a small cup of milk or saliva.
- Call our emergency line immediately.
(Note: If a child loses a baby tooth, do not try to force it back into the socket, but do call us for guidance.)
What To Do If You Lose a Filling or Crown
A lost crown leaves your underlying tooth highly vulnerable to bacteria, hot, and cold temperatures.
- Keep the crown safe if you still have it.
- Keep the area clean and avoid chewing on that side.
- You can use temporary dental cement from a local pharmacy as a stopgap, but never use household glue.
- Schedule a visit with us so we can safely recement it before the tooth suffers further damage.
How To Protect Your Smile on the Midway
You don’t have to skip the Stampede food completely, but exercising a little caution goes a long way. Be careful with:
- Hard candies, ice cubes, and popcorn kernels
- Sticky sweets like candy apples, fudge, and taffy
- Meats with hidden bones (like ribs or turkey legs)
- Never use your teeth to rip open packaging, tags, or bottle caps. Use scissors or a bottle opener instead!
Don’t Tough It Out Until Stampede is Over! Treat Dental Emergencies Immediately
It’s tempting to ignore a nagging toothache or minor crack because you don’t want to miss an event. However, delaying emergency care usually turns a simple, affordable fix into a much more complex (and painful) procedure later on. A small crack can quickly turn into a deep fracture requiring a root canal or extraction.
If you’re experiencing a dental emergency during Stampede week, Dentists at Beddington Heights is here to help. Our experienced team can assess the issue, relieve your pain, and get you back to enjoying your summer safely.
Don’t wait out the pain. Contact the Dentists at Beddington Heights today to book your urgent dental appointment.
