Bikes, Scooters & Teeth: Preventing Dental Injuries This Summer

Nothing says summer like a kid on a bike or scooter — and unfortunately, those wheels are a leading cause of childhood dental injuries. A spill into the handlebars or onto the pavement can chip or knock out a tooth in a second. At Islands Pediatric Dentistry in Gilbert, our pediatric dentists want families riding safely all summer.

Why Wheels and Teeth Don’t Mix

When a child loses control on a bike or scooter, the face often takes the impact — against the handlebars, the ground, or a curb. Front teeth are especially vulnerable, and a damaged permanent tooth doesn’t grow back. That makes a little prevention well worth it.

How to Prevent Riding Injuries

• Always use a properly fitted helmet — it protects the head and helps prevent face-first falls.
• Check that bikes and scooters are the right size and in good repair (brakes, tires, handlebars).
• Choose safe, smooth riding areas away from traffic.
• Consider a mouthguard for kids who ride hard, do tricks, or use skate parks.
• Supervise younger riders and teach basic stopping and steering skills.

What a Mouthguard Adds

For BMX, skate parks, and trick riding, a mouthguard cushions the teeth and lips against impact — the same protection athletes use in contact sports. A custom guard from our office offers the best fit and comfort for kids who ride often.

If a Dental Injury Happens

• Knocked-out permanent tooth: hold it by the crown, rinse gently with milk or water, place it back in the socket if you can or keep it in milk, and call us within an hour.
• Knocked-out baby tooth: don’t reinsert it; call us to check the area.
• Chipped or cracked tooth: save the pieces, rinse, use a cold compress, and call us.
• Cut lip or tongue: clean it, apply gentle pressure and a cold compress; seek care if bleeding won’t stop.

Keep an Emergency Plan Handy

Save our number in your phone, keep a small dental kit (gauze, a container, a way to store a tooth in milk) in the car, and make sure caregivers know the basics. Quick, calm action gives the best chance of saving a tooth.

Visit Islands Pediatric Dentistry in Gilbert

Before the summer riding season takes off, our pediatric dental practice in Gilbert can fit your child for a mouthguard and answer your dental-emergency questions. We care for children near Gilbert and Mesa and accept AHCCCS and most plans. Contact our office to schedule a preventive visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I prevent dental injuries from bikes and scooters?

Use a properly fitted helmet, keep equipment the right size and in good repair, choose safe riding areas, consider a mouthguard for hard riders, and supervise younger kids.

Does my child need a mouthguard for biking or scootering?

For BMX, skate parks, or trick riding, yes — a mouthguard cushions the teeth and lips against impact. A custom guard offers the best fit for frequent riders.

What should I do if my child knocks out a tooth in a fall?

For a permanent tooth, hold it by the crown, rinse gently with milk or water, reinsert it or keep it in milk, and call us within an hour. For a baby tooth, don’t reinsert it — just call us.

My child chipped a tooth on a scooter — what now?

Save any pieces, rinse the mouth, use a cold compress for swelling, and call us. Even a small chip should be checked to prevent further damage.

How do I prepare for a possible dental emergency?

Save your dentist’s number, keep a small dental kit in the car (gauze, a container, a way to store a tooth in milk), and make sure caregivers know the basics.