Toothpaste: The past six years it seems that the regular Colgate/Crest has stored the best. I also stored Mint Zing Colgate toothpaste that has a mint oil infused into the toothpaste, but that separated from the mixture. It can be fixed by massaging the tube before opening which seemed to remedy the problem. I would recommend buying the no frills Crest or Colgate for long term storage needs since that seemed to work best for me. I usually use about a tube of toothpaste every 3 months. Doing the math, four tubes will last me a year, and 20 tubes will be enough toothpaste for 5 years. I can find the toothpaste on sale for $1.00 a tube, so that's $20 total.
Toothbrush: The toothbrush doesn't have a shelf life, so catch your favorite on sale and stock up for 5 years worth. It is currently recommended to replace your toothbrush every 3 months, so 20 would get you the recommended amount. I personally think that the replacement rate is too often, but having too many is a good problem to have in a SHTF scenario. $20 will cover you for 5 years. Replace your toothbrush or boil/steam for five minute after being sick to reduce the risk of reinfecting yourself.
Floss: Floss also doesn't have an expiration date, so stock up at your next sale. I try to floss at least twice a day, but one should at the minimum floss at least once a day. I would also suggest in a SHTF scenario to step up your dental care and floss at least three times a day. The floss sticks work really well for kids! I would suggest 5 packets per year per person for the dental floss. Again, stock up when they go on sale and save!
Dental Pick and Mirror: Perhaps something really over looked that a person can do to improve their dental care is to spend about 5 minutes per week and use a dental pick, scaler, and mirror to clean those hard to reach places, and between the teeth. Over the course of a 5 year period, I would recommend 2 or 3 per person. Walgreens has them for sale for about $6.00, but I bought mine at the dollar store for $1.00. I should have bought more when I saw them.
Kids will need help, so add some latex gloves or remember to wash your hands before and after cleaning their teeth.
Dental Extractor: Sorry folks, the pliers in the shop will not do a proper job of tooth removal. This is the most drastic, and hopefully unused tool in your kit. Better info here at Doom and Bloom.
A person can equip (minus extractor) themselves for a full year of excellent dental care for about $16.00-$25.00. Remember to wait for sales to stock up. I keep all of my supplies in 2 small plastic totes with the oldest supplies on top of the other one. First items into the tote are the first ones used.
Keep Right On Prepping - K
Somewhere around here I have that book "where there is no dentist." I need to get it out and review it.
ReplyDeleteLike you, I store basic dental hygiene materials. Don't have things like extractors, though.
The key to a good oral health is prevention.
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