From family vacations to summer sports and afternoons at the pool, summer activities can sometimes result in unexpected dental injuries or sudden tooth pain. When your child needs emergency pediatric dentistry, McMurphy Pediatric Dentistry provides 24-hour emergency dental care for children in Biloxi and Ocean Springs, helping families receive prompt, compassionate care when urgent dental needs arise.
Knowing where to turn before a dental emergency occurs can help you act quickly if your child needs urgent dental care.
Dental Emergencies During Summer Activities
Summer activities can sometimes result in dental injuries or other urgent dental problems. Some of the most common reasons children need emergency pediatric dental care include:
Toothaches
A sudden or severe toothache can quickly interrupt a family vacation, summer camp, or weekend outing. Tooth pain may be caused by a cavity, an infection, a damaged tooth, or another underlying dental problem. Because it can be difficult to determine the cause at home, it’s important to contact your pediatric dentist for guidance.
Chipped or Broken Teeth
Whether your child falls while riding a bicycle, takes an accidental hit during sports, or bites down on something unexpectedly hard, a chipped or broken tooth should be evaluated as soon as possible. Prompt treatment may help protect the tooth and prevent additional damage.
Knocked-Out or Displaced Teeth
An impact to the mouth can sometimes loosen, move, or completely knock out a tooth. Quick action is important, so contact McMurphy Pediatric Dentistry right away if this happens. Our team will explain the next steps and arrange for your child to be seen as quickly as possible.
Injuries to the Lips, Gums, or Tongue
Dental emergencies do not always involve teeth. Falls and other accidents can also injure the lips, gums, tongue, or other soft tissues inside the mouth. These injuries may occur on their own or along with damage to the teeth, making a prompt dental evaluation important.
Why Prompt Treatment Is Important
Receiving timely care allows Dr. McMurphy to evaluate your child’s injury, relieve discomfort, and recommend the most appropriate treatment. Early care may also help protect developing teeth and reduce the risk of additional complications.
If you are ever unsure about your child’s dental injury or symptoms, contacting our office is the best first step. Our team can answer your questions, provide instructions, and help determine how soon your child should be seen.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry also provides helpful information for parents about dental emergencies and children’s oral health.
What to Do If Your Child Has a Dental Emergency
If your child is experiencing a dental emergency, we encourage you to contact our office immediately. Our team will guide you through the next steps and provide clear instructions on how to care for your child until they can be seen. We will quickly arrange for your child to meet with Dr. Austin McMurphy so they can receive timely, appropriate treatment.
24-Hour Emergency Pediatric Dental Care When You Need It
Dental emergencies rarely happen at a convenient time. That is why McMurphy Pediatric Dentistry proudly provides 24-hour emergency dental care for children in Biloxi and Ocean Springs. Dr. Austin McMurphy and our experienced team are committed to providing gentle, compassionate emergency pediatric dental care in a calm, child-friendly environment.
Helping children feel comfortable is an important part of the care we provide. To learn more about helping children feel at ease during dental treatment, read our previous blog, “How Pediatric Sedation Helps Kids Feel Comfortable.”
If your child needs emergency pediatric dentistry this summer or any time of year, contact McMurphy Pediatric Dentistry right away. We are here to provide the prompt, expert care your child’s smile deserves.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my child’s permanent tooth is knocked out?
If your child’s permanent tooth has been knocked out, carefully pick it up by the crown (the chewing surface), not the root. If it is dirty, gently rinse it with water without scrubbing. If possible, place the tooth back into the socket. If that is not possible, keep it moist in milk or your child’s saliva and contact McMurphy Pediatric Dentistry immediately. Acting quickly may improve the chances of saving the tooth.
What should I do if my child’s baby tooth is knocked out?
Do not try to put a knocked-out baby tooth back into the socket. Replanting a baby tooth can damage the developing permanent tooth underneath. Instead, contact McMurphy Pediatric Dentistry right away so we can evaluate your child and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
Can a chipped baby tooth be a dental emergency?
Yes. Even if your child does not seem to be in pain, a chipped or broken baby tooth should be evaluated by a pediatric dentist. The injury may affect the tooth, the surrounding tissues, or the developing permanent tooth underneath. Contact McMurphy Pediatric Dentistry so we can determine the appropriate next steps.
Should I call McMurphy Pediatric Dentistry if I am not sure it is an emergency?
Yes. If you are unsure whether your child’s dental injury or symptoms require immediate attention, contact our office. Our team can answer your questions, provide guidance, and arrange a prompt appointment if emergency care is needed.
