Dental Health

1. The Colgateoralhealthnetwork.com- Says periodontitis has occurred on long term space flight and is likely to happen on others.
   
2. https://www.nasa.gov- States that astronauts have significant changes to the tissue around teeth, which can affect immune response and increases the risk of inflammation and disease in the gums.
   
3. 5 out of 33 Astronauts on Apollo missions had periodontitis
   
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17436979- Study of periodontitis in the US navy
   
5. https://www.omicsonline.org/open-access/changes-in-periodontal-health-status-among-naval-personnel-during-prolonged-sailing-2332-0702.1000153.php?aid=32310- Study of periodontitis in the Chinese Navy.
   

Existing Solutions for Space Travel

https://www.nasa.gov- NASA is working with the U.S. Navy to create a new ultrasonic probe device that can detect the onset  of periodontal disease.

Existing Solutions on Earth

1. Brushing and flossing your teeth daily. https://www.mayoclinic.org - States that the best thing to do is brush and floss regularly along with mouthwash.
   
2. Going to the dentist every 6 to 12 months
   
3. Plaque disclosing tablets- Releases purple dye on plaque
   
4. Perio scores​ - https://www.rdhmag.com- With perio scores, competition grows between  family members. Rather than asking about a hygiene visit, their first question is, "What was your score today?" It helps them understand the situation and connects them to their oral health the same way blood-pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol scores do. https://www.rdhmag.com - Perio scores are used to track family members brushing at home.
   
5. Chlorhexidine - https://www.webmd.com - This medication is used along with regular tooth brushing/flossing to treat gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease that causes red, swollen, and easily bleeding gums. It works by decreasing the amount of bacteria in the mouth, helping to reduce swelling and redness of the gums and bleeding when you brush.
   

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