6303 Little River Turnpike, Suite 345 Alexandria, VA 22312
Helping Families Navigate Dental Emergencies
Kids are active, curious, and sometimes a little accident-prone and we are here when the unexpected happens. If your child experiences a dental emergency, contact Little Dental Studio as soon as possible. During office hours, our team will walk you through the next steps right away. After hours, follow the prompts to connect with our on-call dentist.
* If your child has suffered a serious facial injury, significant bleeding, or any head trauma, go directly to the nearest emergency room.
Common Dental Emergencies
Chipped or Broken Tooth
Rinse the mouth gently with water and apply a cold compress to the outside of the face to help with swelling. Reach out to our office as soon as possible so we can assess the injury and determine next steps.
Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth
Hold the tooth by the crown, not the root, and keep it moist at all times. Place it in a small container of milk or have your child carefully hold it between their cheek and gum. Call us immediately. With a knocked-out permanent tooth, every minute counts.
Knocked-Out Baby Tooth
Do not try to reinsert the tooth. Contact our office so we can take a look, rule out any additional damage, and advise you on what to expect next.
Toothache or Facial Swelling
Ongoing pain or visible swelling should always be evaluated promptly. Call us to arrange an urgent visit as quickly as possible.
Cut or Bitten Lip, Tongue, or Cheek
Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth and a cold compress. If bleeding is heavy or does not slow down, contact our office right away.
Object Caught Between Teeth
Try gently working it free with dental floss. Avoid using anything sharp or pointed to probe the area. If it will not budge, give us a call and we will help.
Prevention Is the Best Protection
For children who play sports or take part in activities where falls or contact are possible, we strongly recommend wearing a mouthguard. Custom-fitted mouthguards offer the most reliable protection and the most comfortable fit, and they are far easier to deal with than a dental emergency.
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FAQs About Pediatric Dental Emergencies
What counts as a dental emergency?
Any situation involving significant pain, swelling, a knocked-out or broken tooth, uncontrolled bleeding, or trauma to the mouth or face should be treated as a dental emergency. When in doubt, call us — we would always rather hear from you and help you determine next steps than have you wait on something that needs attention.What should I do if my child knocks out a permanent tooth?
Act quickly. Hold the tooth by the crown — never the root — and keep it moist by placing it in milk or having your child hold it carefully between their cheek and gum. Call Little Dental Studio immediately. Time is critical with a knocked-out permanent tooth, and the sooner we see your child, the better the outcome.What if my child knocks out a baby tooth?
Do not attempt to reinsert it. Contact our office so Dr. Angela can evaluate the area, make sure there is no additional damage, and advise you on what to expect as the permanent tooth develops.How do I know if a dental issue needs the ER instead of the dentist?
If your child has suffered serious facial trauma, head injury, or bleeding that will not stop, go directly to the nearest emergency room. For dental-specific concerns — broken teeth, toothaches, swelling, or objects stuck between teeth — contact our office first and we will guide you from there.How can I prevent dental emergencies?
The single most effective step for active children is wearing a properly fitted mouthguard during sports and physical activities. We offer custom-fitted mouthguards that provide superior protection compared to store-bought options — and they are well worth it.