How to Keep Your Teeth when living in a Submarine

Living in a submarine is not for the faint-hearted. The confined quarters, the constant hum of machinery, and the isolation from the outside world create a unique environment that few get to experience. Among the many challenges faced by submariners, maintaining good dental health is often overlooked. For Lieutenant Jack “Salty” Waters, a veteran of the deep sea, keeping his teeth in top condition is as crucial as ensuring the submarine’s hull remains intact.

Lieutenant Waters, affectionately known as “Salty” by his crewmates, has spent over a decade navigating the world’s oceans beneath the waves. His journey began with a fascination for marine life and a desire to explore the uncharted depths. Over the years, he has become an expert in submarine operations and an advocate for dental hygiene among his crew. Salty’s dedication to dental care stems from his early days in the navy when he witnessed firsthand the severe consequences of neglecting oral health.

The unique environment of a submarine presents several dental challenges. The limited access to fresh water, the need to conserve resources, and the restricted availability of dental care all contribute to potential oral health issues. Salty has learned through experience that proactive dental care is essential. He emphasizes the importance of routine, proper techniques, and the use of available resources to maintain oral health in the confined quarters of a submarine.

Salty’s approach to dental hygiene involves a combination of traditional practices and innovative solutions. He ensures that every member of his crew understands the significance of regular brushing and flossing, even in the cramped confines of a submarine. He has also introduced creative ways to use everyday items found on board to assist in dental care, such as using saltwater rinses when fresh water is scarce. His commitment to his crew’s dental health is unwavering, knowing that a healthy mouth is vital for overall well-being, especially during long deployments.

As Lieutenant Waters prepares for yet another mission beneath the waves, his focus remains steadfast on the well-being of his crew. He understands that maintaining good dental health in a submarine is not just about preventing cavities or bad breath; it’s about ensuring that each submariner is fit and ready to face the demanding challenges of life underwater. Through his leadership and dedication, Salty Waters continues to set the standard for dental care in the navy, proving that even in the depths of the ocean, a bright smile is always within reach.

Lieutenant Jack "Salty" Waters Dental Survival Strategies

The Consequences of Losing a Molar

Ignoring dental health, particularly at the back of the mouth, can lead to the loss of molars, which can have several consequences.

1. Shifting Teeth

When a tooth is removed and not replaced, the teeth next to or opposite the gap can shift into the space. This can lead to a crooked smile and make it harder to clean your teeth properly, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

2. Increased Risk of Oral Diseases

Missing teeth can lead to exposed gums that are more susceptible to diseases. Additionally, the gaps can trap food, promoting the growth of bacteria which can lead to cavities and periodontal disease.

3. Dietary Restrictions

Losing molars can limit the types of food you can eat comfortably. Tough or crunchy foods may become difficult to chew, forcing you to opt for softer, often less nutritious options. This can impact your overall health, leading to nutrient deficiencies.

4. Economic Impact

Dental restoration procedures, such as implants or bridges, can be expensive. The cost of replacing a lost molar can be significantly higher than what would have been the expenditure for preventive care.

Preventive Care for Back Teeth

Maintaining the health of your molars is not complicated but requires a consistent approach to oral hygiene.

1. Regular Dental Check-ups

Regular visits to the dentist can help catch problems early before they escalate into more serious issues. Dentists can also professionally clean areas that are hard to reach with a toothbrush.

2. Proper Brushing and Flossing

It's crucial to brush at least twice a day and floss daily to remove plaque that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Pay special attention to the back teeth, which are harder to reach and clean.

3. Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride strengthens the enamel and helps prevent decay. Use fluoride toothpaste and consider fluoride treatments during your dental visits if recommended.

4. Protective Measures

If you engage in sports or grind your teeth at night, consider using a mouthguard to protect your molars from damages

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1. Manage Limited Fresh Water Supply

Living in a submarine means water conservation is crucial. Jack suggests:

Brushing with Minimal Water: Use a small amount of water to wet your toothbrush and rinse. Turn off the tap while brushing to save water.
Dry Brushing: Occasionally, brush your teeth without water using a small amount of toothpaste to maintain hygiene when water is scarce.
Saline Solution: Use a saline solution made from seawater (properly filtered and boiled) for mouth rinsing when freshwater is limited.

2. Utilize Available Supplies Efficiently

Space and resources are limited on a submarine. Jack advises:

Compact Toothbrushes: Use foldable or compact toothbrushes to save space in your personal kit.
Multipurpose Toothpaste: Carry a small tube of toothpaste that can also be used as a cleaner for other purposes in the submarine.
Floss Substitutes: Use fishing line or thin thread available on the submarine as makeshift dental floss.

3. Maintain a Routine Despite Confined Spaces

Consistency is key to dental health. Jack recommends:

Scheduled Hygiene Sessions: Establish a regular schedule for brushing and flossing, ideally at the start and end of your watch shifts.
Buddy System: Pair up with a fellow submariner to remind each other to stick to your dental hygiene routine.
Compact Storage: Keep your dental care items in a small, easily accessible container to ensure you can quickly grab them even in tight quarters.

4. Address Unique Dietary Challenges

The submarine diet can impact dental health. Jack suggests:

Minimize Sugary Snacks: Avoid high-sugar snacks found in rations, as they can lead to cavities. Opt for healthier options when available.
Cheese and Nuts: Include cheese and nuts in your diet, as they can help neutralize acids in the mouth and provide essential nutrients for dental health.
Hydration: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and help wash away food particles and bacteria, even if it means rationing your intake.

5. Emergency Preparedness

Be ready for dental emergencies in the confined environment of a submarine. Jack advises:

Pain Management: Keep clove oil or other pain relief options in your personal kit for temporary relief from toothaches or gum pain.
Temporary Fillings: Use dental wax or temporary filling materials from your emergency kit to cover cavities or broken teeth until you can get professional help.
Emergency Dental Kit: Carry a small kit with essentials like dental floss, a toothbrush, toothpaste, and any prescribed dental medication.

6. Leverage the Submarine Environment

Utilize the unique environment of a submarine for dental care. Jack recommends:

Cool Compresses: Use cold packs or ice from the galley to reduce swelling and pain in case of dental emergencies.
Saline Rinses: Regularly rinse your mouth with a saline solution to help kill bacteria and soothe any gum irritation.
In-House Expertise: If the submarine has a medic or someone with dental training, seek their assistance for minor dental issues and advice.

7. Maintain Morale and Hygiene

Good dental hygiene boosts overall morale and health on long deployments. Jack emphasizes:

Encourage Hygiene: Promote a culture of hygiene among your crew members, ensuring everyone understands the importance of dental care.
Educational Sessions: Hold brief educational sessions on dental hygiene and the consequences of neglecting it to keep the crew informed and motivated.
Mutual Support: Foster an environment of mutual support where crew members remind each other to maintain their dental hygiene routines.

Conclusion

As the submarine surfaced and the crew prepared to return to shore, Lieutenant Jack "Salty" Waters reflected on their journey beneath the waves. Months of confinement in the deep sea had tested their resilience, but thanks to Salty’s unwavering commitment to dental hygiene, they had emerged with not only their mission accomplished but also their health intact. Salty knew that their success was not just measured by their operational achievements but by their ability to maintain their well-being in the most challenging of environments.

Salty gathered his crew for one final debrief. With a broad smile, he commended their discipline and adherence to the dental routines he had instilled. "You’ve all done exceptionally well," he began, "not just in navigating the depths and completing our mission, but in taking care of yourselves and each other. Dental health might seem like a small thing, but it’s these small things that keep us strong and ready for whatever comes our way."

The crew’s camaraderie had grown stronger through their shared experiences, and Salty’s emphasis on health had fostered a deeper understanding of their collective responsibility. As they disembarked, each crew member knew they carried valuable lessons with them—lessons that extended beyond dental hygiene to broader aspects of self-care and mutual support. Salty’s leadership had left an indelible mark, teaching them that vigilance in small matters could make a world of difference.

Lieutenant Waters watched his crew disperse, each heading towards a well-deserved break on solid ground. He felt a profound sense of accomplishment, not only for the successful mission but for the knowledge that his crew was returning home healthier and more aware of the importance of self-care. Salty’s legacy would be carried forward by these submariners, who now understood that even in the most demanding conditions, maintaining good health was paramount.

As Salty walked away from the submarine, he took one last look at the vessel that had been both a home and a workplace. He knew that future missions awaited, with new challenges and new crew members to lead. But he was confident that with the practices they had honed and the camaraderie they had built, they were well-prepared. Lieutenant Jack "Salty" Waters smiled, ready to dive into the next chapter, knowing that beneath the waves or above them, his crew would always remember the importance of keeping their teeth—and their spirits—strong.