By Jake Sepulveda

It might sound silly, but good dental health can make a big difference during a long-term disaster or survival situation. Although food and drink may be sparse, and you might not have much access to sweets, you’ll still need teeth to eat what you can scrounge up.

Make an effort to brush (and floss if possible), even if you’re lacking proper toothpaste. The difference between proper dental hygiene and forgetting for a few days can quickly mean the build up of not just plaque, but dangerous bacteria as well.

Dental Hygiene Alternates for an Undead World:

• Baking Soda – A paste-like mixture of baking soda and water provides a great scrub for your gums and teeth. Used on a regular basis, this simple method will keep your pearly whites shinning bright no matter how battered the rest of you gets.
• Finger – While it might not be the best scrubber, it’s better than nothing when you’re short on toothbrushes… as long as your hands are very clean.
• Salt – This multi-purpose survival necessity makes a great mouthwash when mixed with a bit of warm water. Not only does salt help remove plaque and tartar, but it also freshens your breath. This could come in extra handy should you decide to try repopulating the Earth with the last man/woman out there.

Keeping your pearly whites white, and your breath fresh is a bigger benefit than you might think. Not only will you be able to chomp down on whatever foods you might find… it’ll making repopulating the earth a much more likely option.