Oral Health of Astronauts in Short- and Long-Term Missions in Space

INTRODUCTION: Space exploration presents unique challenges to human health due to space radiation, reduced gravity, and prolonged isolation. Astronauts should be prepared to manage medical and dental emergencies. This scoping review maps the evidence on oral health alterations and dental emergencies faced by astronauts during short- and long-term space missions. METHODS: A “Topical Team” assembled by the European Space Agency performed the review described herein. An electronic search was conducted on scientific databases, reference lists of relevant papers, specific textbooks, and space agencies’ databases. Inclusion criteria encompassed studies related to dental medicine in microgravity or outer orbital space conditions. Results are presented through narrative format. RESULTS: Out of 23,686 studies identified, 467 were considered eligible and 80 (54 reviews and 26 human-based studies) were included. The latter were classified into three broad topics: microbiology, space physiology and medicine, and space dentistry. Among the studies involving human subjects, 17 involved individuals who had spent time in space. There are only a few studies about oral health modifications and issues during spaceflight and those have limited evidence. Dental emergencies in space are relatively rare events that tend to increase with mission duration. DISCUSSION: T he impact of microgravity on oral health requires further investigation. Preflight and in-flight measures should focus on prevention and treatment protocols for various dental issues to ensure crew safety and mission success. Understanding and addressing factors affecting oral health in microgravity will enhance the well-being of astronauts and the success of human exploration missions in space.