How Astronauts Stay Healthy in Space | Dental Worksheet

Have you ever wondered how astronauts keep their teeth clean while they’re up in space? While living in space, the oral health needs of astronauts don’t disappear, but they do change a little. View this dental worksheet to learn how astronauts keep their teeth clean and healthy, taking note of how their oral health care is similar or different to yours.

An important factor in anyone’s dental health is their diet, and astronauts are not excluded. They have to eat freeze-dried food and food that comes from tubes to prevent the food from floating away and keep crumbs from spreading. While we don’t eat like that down here on earth, it’s still important for us to get nutrients from healthy food. Calcium and Vitamin A are great for your teeth and gums. You can get calcium from milk and cheese and vitamin A from carrots.

While in space, astronauts might experience unique oral health issues. They need to watch out for dry mouth, tooth pain and sore gums. Being up in space increases the chances of developing a cavity or gum disease. Just like an astronaut, you need to be looking out for your oral health as well. Watch out for and take steps to prevent cavities and gum disease.

Astronauts have to use a special toothpaste while in space. Since they can’t spit out the toothpaste, they need a special kind they can swallow instead. Here on earth, you should never swallow your toothpaste. Make sure you brush your teeth twice a day to keep your teeth clean and healthy.

While there are some differences between how you keep your teeth clean here on earth and how astronauts keep their teeth clean in space, maintaining a healthy diet and brushing your teeth are universal oral health tips. Share this dental worksheet with a friend so they can discover how astronauts clean their teeth too.