Summer is the perfect time for sports, bike rides, skateboarding, and outdoor adventures. Unfortunately, these activities can also increase the risk of dental injuries. A fall, collision, or stray ball can easily chip, crack, or even knock out a tooth.

Wearing a mouthguard during sports is one of the best ways to protect your smile. Custom mouthguards provide especially reliable protection because they fit comfortably and securely. Helmets and other protective gear can also help lower your risk of facial injuries during biking or skating activities.

If a dental emergency does happen, seeking treatment quickly can make a major difference in saving a damaged tooth.

For many years, dentists and researchers have known that bacteria play a major role in tooth decay. One of the most well-known cavity-causing bacteria is Streptococcus mutans. However, scientists continue to discover that tooth decay is often more complex than a single type of bacteria acting alone. Recently, researchers identified another bacterium called Selenomonas sputigena — often shortened to S. sputigena — that may contribute to the development of cavities.

This discovery is helping researchers better understand how tooth decay forms and spreads.