To “cry poor mouth” is an expression used to habitually complain about a lack of money. A literal poor mouth, however, represents one of the most widespread global diseases: tooth decay. Cavities resulting from poor oral health can drive everything from emotional issues to low self-esteem and health concerns.

To “cry poor mouth” is an expression used to habitually complain about a lack of money. A literal poor mouth, however, represents one of the most widespread global diseases: tooth decay. Cavities resulting from poor oral health can drive everything from emotional issues to low self-esteem and health concerns.

On June 3, the SpaceX CRS-22 rocket took off for the International Space Station-bound from Cape Canaveral, Florida. On board was unusual cargo: oral bacteria and saliva.

Last June, NASA's SpaceX Dragon space rocket took off from Florida with, among other scientific experiments, 30 saliva samples that will be part of a dental experiment.

It is the first dental study to be performed in zero gravity, and sponsored by the National Laboratory of the International Space Station in the United States, in collaboration with NASA and Colgate Palmolive.

As the saying goes, the sky is the limit. This is true for scientists conducting the first oral health experiment in space to investigate the growth and response of oral bacteria to treatment agents in zero gravity.

Earlier this month a rocket supplying the International Space Station carried oral bacteria and saliva gleaned from the mouths of 30 UNLV dental clinic patients.

What can you do to safeguard your teeth from decay?