The pearly whites might be in danger with summer approaching because more people are outside and active.

The four Ohio State graduates who run Hopewell Dental Care are well-aware of the increased risk.

Accidents are “a little more prevalent obviously once the weather is nice and people are outside doing more things,” said Dr. Steve Krendl, a dentist at Hopewell Dental Care in Newark.

Many trampoline injuries, in both children and adults, start as early as March and April. Summer sports result in more accidents, too, Krendl said.

To avoid these injuries, Krendl said to wear appropriate protection during athletic activities and consistently care for teeth.

“If a person has cavities, it breaks down or weakens the teeth,” Krendl said. “So making sure that they’re in good shape to begin with is a good start as far as prevention of injuries or broken teeth.”

Drs. Lance Senn, Orest Kowalsky, Brian Howe and Krendl all graduated from the OSU College of Dentistry.

During his time at OSU, Howe served as the team dentist for multiple athletic teams, including football and basketball.

Senn went to OSU for his undergraduate degree, too.

How they all ended up at Hopewell Dental is kind of a mystery.

“It just happened over time,” Krendl said. “It wasn’t something where all four of us (came at once).”

The practice is about a 10-minute drive from OSU’s Newark campus.

Krendl grew up near Lima, Ohio, and went to Bowling Green for his undergraduate education. Because of an interest in the sciences, he decided to pursue dentistry at OSU.

“Ohio State has a good reputation I think in general, education-wise,” Krendl said. “(And) I’m a Buckeye fan, of course.”

Krendl graduated in 2004 and spent some time in Colorado before learning about Hopewell through a practice consultant and joining in 2008.

“You get to work with your hands and you get to help people. It’s a pretty gratifying job, I think,” Krendl said.

Senn, who began the Buckeye trend at the office, played tennis during his time at OSU and holds season football tickets.

Between the Newark students who are patients, the four dentists and a handful of hygienists, the practice is full of Buckeyes.

“A lot of Ohio State blood is going through our practice,” Krendl said.