Astronauts brush their teeth in space using a specially designed method due to the microgravity environment. Here’s how it works:

1. Special Toothpaste:

   • Astronauts use a toothpaste that doesn’t require rinsing. It’s a gel that can be swallowed if necessary.

2. Brush Design:

   • They use a small, compact toothbrush with a cover to help prevent the bristles from floating away. Some toothbrushes have a built-in dispenser for the toothpaste.

3. Brushing Technique:

   • Astronauts apply the toothpaste directly onto their brush without squeezing it out, as there’s no gravity to help. They brush their teeth in the same manner as on Earth, but they need to be careful not to let any toothpaste or saliva float away.

4. Spit Management:

   • Instead of spitting out the toothpaste, astronauts simply swallow it. The absence of gravity means that liquids don’t flow as they do on Earth, so there’s no practical way to rinse and spit in space.

This adapted method ensures that astronauts can maintain good oral hygiene while dealing with the unique challenges of living in microgravity.