(Modern Survival.org) – What is the most important hygiene habit to maintain if you’re in a long-term survival situation?
• Washing face
• Brushing teeth
• Washing groin
• Washing feet
Answer: Brushing Teeth. Here’s why…
In a world-altering disaster, danger will lurk in unexpected places. Not only will the threat of looters, starvation, and the lack of potable water be ever-present, but the risks of illness will also become far more significant. In a world where doctors, dentists, and medicine are no longer available, preventive measures will become more critical than ever. Oral hygiene is one of the most essential preventive measures you can take.
In a SHTF environment, there will be a lot of threats to worry about. Simple daily tasks such as brushing teeth may not seem to be a pressing concern in comparison — until a toothache makes it impossible to eat. A toothache makes eating difficult and can lead to many other issues such as persistent headaches, trouble sleeping and difficulty concentrating. If left untreated, dental issues will also lead to a bevy of other problems.
How Bad Can a Toothache Be?
The pain and discomfort of a toothache are challenging to handle on their own. However, a bad tooth that becomes infected could prove fatal. Infections from a bad tooth can spread to other areas of the body, eventually leading to sepsis if left untreated.
According to healthline.com, an infected tooth can lead to the following health issues:
- Fever.
- Fatigue.
- Chills.
- Swelling of the face.
- Difficulty opening the mouth, swallowing, and even breathing.
- Diarrhea.
- Vomiting.
- Chest pain.
- Seizures.
- Death.
In a survival situation, any of these symptoms could not only make surviving more difficult–they might make it impossible. An oral issue becomes potentially deadly without a dentist to tend to the tooth and antibiotics to heal the infection.
How to Clean Teeth Even After SHTF
When toothpaste runs out, there are still ways to maintain oral hygiene. These include:
-
- DIY Toothbrush. In bygone days, people would chew the ends of sticks to separate the wood fibers. Once frayed, the stick could be used to scrub the teeth clean. Thin fibers may even serve for floss in a pinch.
- Rag. Rubbing a piece of cloth over the teeth can remove a lot of build-up. Use water, especially saltwater, as a mouth rinse afterward.
- Makeshift Toothpick. Thorns and sticks sharpened with a knife make for great toothpicks in a pinch.
No one believes that life in a post-apocalyptic world will be easy. However, as this example has proven, it may be far more complicated than many people imagine.
To see another example of how to survive in a post-collapse world, check out our article here.
~Here’s to Your Survival!
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