Dental Health for Astronauts – Brushing your teeth is one thing—but doing it in zero gravity? That’s a whole new challenge. Space missions may be focused on exploration, but astronauts still have to care for their bodies, including their teeth.
As your dentist in Idaho Falls, we were curious—how do astronauts brush in space, and what happens if they get a toothache millions of miles from Earth?
The Basics of Brushing in Space
NASA astronauts use a modified version of your average toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, but they don’t rinse and spit like we do. Instead, they swallow or wipe away the foam with a cloth. Since water floats in microgravity, you can’t just lean over a sink.
To avoid floating toothpaste blobs, they use tiny amounts—just enough to clean the teeth without creating a mess. It’s a dry brush, no-spit situation.
Why Dental Hygiene Still Matters in Orbit
Even in space, plaque and bacteria build up in the mouth. Without gravity to help saliva naturally clean the teeth, food debris and germs stick around longer. That means dental hygiene becomes even more essential—not less.
Neglecting oral care in space could lead to infections, inflammation, or even systemic illness. That’s a risk astronauts can’t afford while orbiting Earth or traveling to Mars.
What If You Get a Cavity in Orbit?
Before heading to space, astronauts receive extensive health screenings—and that includes dental checks. NASA wants to be sure no one has pending dental issues that could turn into emergencies mid-mission.
Still, astronauts are trained in basic dental care, like how to handle a broken tooth or temporary filling. And NASA equips spacecraft with dental kits, just in case.
Dental Emergencies in Deep Space
In space exploration, especially missions to Mars, emergency dental procedures could be necessary. NASA is currently researching how artificial intelligence, robotics, or tele-dentistry could help astronauts manage care on their own.
Future astronauts might even practice placing fillings or performing cleanings on 3D-printed dental models before leaving Earth.
Dental Supplies in Space
Dental kits aboard the International Space Station include:
- Toothbrushes and fluoride toothpaste
- Temporary filling materials
- Dental mirrors
- Pain relievers and antiseptics
These basic tools ensure astronauts can manage common dental issues without needing a dentist onboard.
Space Teeth Tips for Earthlings
You don’t have to be floating in zero gravity to take your oral health seriously. In fact, you’ve got it easier—with sinks, water pressure, and a toothbrush that won’t drift away.
Here’s how you can apply space-savvy dental hygiene on Earth:
- Don’t skip brushing twice a day
- Use fluoride toothpaste
- Keep a dental emergency kit handy when you travel
- Replace your toothbrush every 3–4 months
- Visit your Idaho Falls dentist regularly to prevent issues before they start
So, while you may not be orbiting the Earth anytime soon, keeping up your brushing habits here on solid ground is just as important. Whether you’re training to be an astronaut or just working your 9-to-5, your Idaho Falls dentist is ready to help keep your smile mission-ready.