How Do Astronauts Brush Their Teeth In Space?

Have you ever wondered how astronauts manage to maintain their oral hygiene in space where the lack of gravity makes brushing their teeth a challenging task? While there are products like chewable and ingestible toothpaste available, dental experts suggest that traditional brushing is more effective. However, brushing teeth in space requires extra patience and concentration due to the unique conditions.



In zero gravity, astronauts use the same toothbrush and toothpaste that are commonly found in drugstores. However, the lack of gravity makes it difficult for them to keep toothpaste on their toothbrush and maintain the brush in their mouth while using limited water.

Step By Step - Brushing Teeth In Space

Although brushing teeth in space poses challenges, astronauts have devised innovative ways to overcome them. One technique involves anchoring their hygiene kits, containing toothbrushes and toothpaste, to a wall with velcro to prevent them from floating away. Additionally, the toothpaste tube is designed to remain attached to the kit's wall even when open.

Here's an example of how astronauts may brush their teeth in space, step-by-step:

1. They begin by filling a drink bag with water and taking it to their hygiene kit.
2. The astronauts secure the drink bag with a rubber bungee and retrieve their hygiene kit from the wall.
3. After unzipping the kit, they stick the toothpaste tube to the velcro wall.
4. They remove the toothbrush from the kit, hold it between a few fingers, and put the kit back behind the bungee to prevent anything from floating away.
5. Using one hand, they remove the drink bag, open the straw clamp, and squeeze a bit of water onto the toothbrush.
6. Holding the toothbrush in one hand, they hold the straw in their teeth, replace the straw clamp, and put the bag back behind the bungee with their other hand.
7. The astronauts open the toothpaste cap, apply it to the toothbrush, and begin brushing. Since there's no sink, they swallow the toothpaste and rinse their mouth with some water.
8. Finally, they dry the toothbrush and return it and the toothpaste to the hygiene kit.

Chris Hadfield Demonstrates Brushing Teeth On The ISS

Mouthwash containing alcohol is banned.