Sharks will do what they will, of course, so there’s no saying when sightings or attacks might occur in the ocean.

Still, state officials are advising beachgoers to be more cautious than usual this month, as statistics show that October seems to pose the highest risk of being bitten by a shark.

State data from 1980 through 2015 recorded 122 unprovoked shark bites in Hawaiian waters, with 26 of them (21 percent) occurring during October. One theory for the month’s numbers: Sharks give birth in the fall, with some 25 percent of female tiger sharks in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands migrating to the main islands to give birth, increasing the number of sharks in waters closer to humans and thus, potential for encounters.

So stay alert, stay closer to shore and avoid murky water. For more info, see hawaiisharks.org.

Better diets can fight tooth decay

It’s troubling to learn that Hawaii children, especially those who are poor, have the highest prevalence of tooth decay in the nation, according to a new survey released by the state Department of Health.

But the solutions aren’t complicated: More dental care and better dental hygiene.

It’s encouraging the department will test the use of teledentistry to reach more low-income families who may not have access to proper care. Of course, just as important is teaching children the basics of good oral hygiene like brushing and flossing — and a proper diet, including avoiding sugary drinks.