Dental Calculus Formation Rate in a Submarine Environment

¹ Submarine Squadron TEN, Fleet Post Office, New York, New York, and Naval Submarine Medicial Research Laboratory, Naval Submarine Base, New London, Groton, Connecticut

Calculus formation rates were evaluated in men living in closed, elevated CO₂ environments of submarines. These rates were compared with values obtained prior to submarine patrol duty. The standardized Mylar foil technic was employed to collect calculus from the lower anterior teeth. Analysis revealed no significant differences between the prepatrol and patrol values and the formation rate and component values were well within formerly reported limits.