Dental For Yachties: Smile Maintenance While Living on Board

Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio (0:04 – 0:50)
Welcome to Save Your Money, Save Your Teeth, the very first one for 2025. And if you’re new, this is the go-to podcast where curiosity meets dentistry straight from the experts. I’m Eon, and I’m joined every week by Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile.

We take a deep dive into the world of dental care from a consumer’s perspective. So whether you’re looking to brighten that smile or protect your wallet, we’ve got you covered with practical advice and the latest insights. Stay with us as we uncover the secrets to maintaining both your dental health and your finances.

Dr Yudelman, for the very first time this brand-new year, hello to you and welcome back.

Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (0:50 – 1:36)
Hi Eon, it’s great to hear from you. Happy New Year, and it’s great to be back. We were open during Christmas and New Year at OptiSmile, and every year, it seems like we get more and more “yachties”—people working on yachts—which is a big industry in Cape Town and in South Africa, especially for those from coastal towns.

And this year in particular, we saw so many yachties. So I decided to kick off the year with three episodes aimed especially at yachties and the specific dental issues we see in this line of work. If you’re a yachtie, share this with your friends.

If you’re thinking about becoming a yachtie, maybe this will spark your interest. We have some great insights for you today.

Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio (1:36 – 1:59)
Yes, this is a very interesting topic, Dr Yudelman. So let’s talk about smile maintenance while living on board. My first question to you would be: from your perspective as a dentist in Sea Point, Cape Town, what unique oral health challenges do yachties face when they’re living and working on board for months at a time?

Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (1:59 – 3:44)
We see stewards, bosuns and even captains come in. It can be quite a stressful job. We often see crew members struggling to maintain a proper routine because they have long, unpredictable hours and different watch schedules.

If you’re a deckhand, I believe you have very limited personal space. You don’t have room to spread out your hygiene products – toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, floss – so it’s a bit of a hassle. You obviously need to be kitted out and ready to go at all times.

We’ve also treated a number of chefs, some working on famous people’s yachts. They’re not allowed to disclose names, but if you Google the yacht, you’ll find out who it belongs to. It’s unbelievable seeing Capetonians or people from Port Elizabeth working for some of the wealthiest individuals in the world.

If you’re working in the galley as a chef or stew, you’re often around beautiful foods: fruits, snacks, all sorts of delicacies if it’s a private yacht. Crew members do tend to sample these foods as well. Another big thing is we see people drinking a lot of energy drinks – Red Bull, Monster, Mother, and so on – which can cause dental problems. We’ll discuss that in a moment.

Also, a busy crew life means people postpone dental check-ups, letting small problems turn into big issues by the time they get back to Cape Town.

Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio (3:45 – 4:00)
Now, you’ve obviously treated many yacht stews, deckhands, and even captains. Which daily habits or routines do you recommend they establish to keep their teeth healthy, despite these irregular watch schedules?

Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (4:01 – 5:10)
Even if your schedule is chaotic, aim for at least two solid brushing sessions a day – after your main meal (whichever that is) and once before sleeping, whenever your shift ends. Flossing can feel like a hassle, so try interdental brushes or floss sticks. They’re not always as good as traditional floss, but they’re far more convenient. You can keep them in your cabin and clean between your teeth quickly without needing a mirror.

If brushing immediately after a meal isn’t possible, just rinsing your mouth with water or mouthwash can help remove debris. Then you can do a proper clean later. Another tip is to have a “dental buddy” system on board. Remind each other to take just two minutes for oral care. That way, you stay motivated as a team.

Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio (5:11 – 5:28)
On a yacht, there’s obviously a lot of temptation from quick snacks and sugary drinks in the galley. How can crew members make smarter food choices or manage sugar intake to protect their teeth while on charter?

Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (5:29 – 6:54)
Try to limit sugary treats. If you’re constantly snacking, it’s much worse than eating a sweet treat in one go, because your teeth remain under acid attack for longer. Swap out sweet or acidic drinks for water or sugar-free iced tea – as long as it’s not very acidic. If there’s sparkling water on tap, try to choose one with a neutral pH. A brand like Pellegrino is good because it includes minerals. Avoid sparkling waters that are very acidic.

Keep healthy snacks like nuts, cheese cubes, and crunchy veg on hand, since these can help clean the teeth and balance the mouth’s pH. If you do have something sweet or acidic, quickly rinse your mouth or chew some sugar-free gum afterwards. Don’t do that in front of the guests, of course, but it minimises damage.

We’ll also point listeners to an earlier podcast from last year focusing specifically on diet, tooth decay, cavities, and sensitivity.

Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio (6:54 – 7:10)
And what about captains or heads of department on board? What advice would you give them to foster a stronger oral hygiene culture among the crew, given the tight quarters and hectic pace?

Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (7:11 – 9:00)
I’d say lead by example. If the captain or bosun is seen making time to brush and floss, others will follow. Provide a convenient spot for personal dental kits – this is a small step that keeps oral care top of mind. It might just be a designated locker or a corner near a sink, so people aren’t competing for the bathroom.

Encourage short breaks after meal times so the crew can freshen up. If they’re serving food and there’s a lull while guests are enjoying a particular course, a few of them might quickly pop away to brush their teeth. Also, bring it up in crew briefings. Remind the team that healthy teeth mean fewer lost days to dental pain. It’s a big deal if someone on board is suffering with toothache or worse, an infection. That could ruin service levels and morale.

Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio (9:01 – 9:14)
On board, they obviously have limited storage and bathroom space. Which compact or portable dental care products would you suggest that yachties bring along?

Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (9:14 – 10:33)
Travel toothbrushes are handy, though a normal-sized one doesn’t take much extra space. Always rinse and dry it, and use a cap or small cover. If you use an electric brush, consider a travel case. Travel-size fluoride toothpaste tubes are also useful.

I’m not a huge fan of big mouthwash bottles on board because they can spill. Sometimes chewing sugar-free gum does just as good a job as a mouthwash for a quick freshness boost. Keep interdental brushes or floss on hand. If you find a shared area where everyone brushes or flosses, stock it with a few packets of floss or interdental brushes to encourage others.

If you’ve got Invisalign or a mouth guard, label your retainer case clearly. Never wrap it in a tissue. It will almost certainly get tossed in the bin by someone cleaning up.

Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio (10:33 – 10:49)
When you see yacht crew during their off-season in Cape Town, do you notice common issues like tooth sensitivity or early gum problems that developed on board?

Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (10:49 – 11:59)
Yes, depending on how senior they are, some have more flexible schedules (two months on, two months off), but the newer crew often work straight through from around April to October. They might ignore any warning signs until they’re back. By the time we see them, there can be a build-up of plaque and staining, particularly if they haven’t flossed regularly. We see tooth sensitivity from brushing too hard or consuming lots of acidic drinks like energy drinks.

Early gum inflammation is also common when there isn’t consistent interdental cleaning, and small cavities can turn into big problems if they’re neglected for an entire season.

Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio (11:59 – 12:12)
Why might crew members put off check-ups while on contract, and what are the potential long-term consequences if they wait until the season is over?

Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (12:13 – 14:00)
Schedules can be crazy; they’re sailing from port to port, and there’s never a convenient time for a dentist visit. Some yachties don’t want to risk missing work or letting the team down. A small cavity then turns into a root canal situation or even an extraction. Ignoring minor dental issues can also mean more chair time and higher costs later.

Some yachties say that if they dock in smaller ports in France, for example, it’s extremely expensive, or the dentist doesn’t speak English. They do have Facebook groups and ways of networking, but it’s never as easy as visiting your home dentist in Cape Town.

I’ve spoken to a few yacht training academies, like Super Yacht Training Academy and so on. You need a medical clearance before joining a yacht or cruise ship, but there’s no compulsory dental clearance. This can be a big oversight because dental problems are quite common and can force crew off the vessel if they become severe.

Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio (14:01 – 14:11)
How do you think a healthy, confident smile contributes to the overall guest experience and crew morale on a yacht?

Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (14:12 – 16:55)
One yachtie mentioned that when you apply for a job, you typically include a photo in your CV wearing a crisp white shirt, often with a yacht in the background. Captains may scan these photos for someone who looks the part, and a confident, friendly smile can be a deciding factor. A bright smile is contagious, and when the crew feel good, they deliver top-tier service. That’s crucial on a luxury vessel where guests expect five-star treatment.

Service with a smile really matters. If you’re placing caviar or smoked salmon in front of a guest and they compliment the chef, you want to smile back. If you’re self-conscious and avoid smiling, guests might see it as unfriendliness. Plus, if you’re in pain or dealing with a toothache, it’s hard to focus or stay cheerful. Good oral health fosters a more positive work environment, and a happy crew can also mean bigger tips. Everyone wins.

Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio (16:55 – 17:10)
Definitely. And because yachties come from many different countries, have you noticed any cultural differences in oral care habits? How can they learn from one another to improve their dental health?

Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (17:11 – 19:03)
Yes. Some cultures are very strict about brushing after every meal, others use multiple cleaning tools like specific mouth rinses or the practice of oil pulling. You might have crew members from the Philippines, India, or Europe, each with different habits. It can be really helpful to share tips from one’s own dentist or personal experience, especially with those who might not have had access to advanced dental care.

We’ve done a podcast on bad breath, which is crucial in close-quarters living. Sometimes, people don’t realise they have an odour issue, but fellow crew definitely notice. Introducing something like a tongue scraper to others can be life-changing (and nose-saving!) for everyone on board.

Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio (19:04 – 19:22)
If a yachtie only has a quick turnaround—say two months on and two months off—what preventative treatments or check-ups would you advise when they’re back in Cape Town?

Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (19:22 – 22:48)
For senior crew or those on a rotation like two months on, two months off, they should make the most of their time in Cape Town. A thorough dental exam and cleaning at least once a year is vital. We see yachties from Port Elizabeth, Durban, and other coastal towns too, but many come to Cape Town specifically for dental care.

We sometimes do video consults with crew while they’re still on board. I’ve spoken to an engineer in the engine room, and another second officer on the bridge. We plan their treatment for when they arrive in Cape Town, handling cavities, gum disease, and even cosmetic treatments like whitening. Some do in-chair whitening for a quick result, or take-home kits if they have a bit more time. We’ve also done several podcast episodes on whitening.

Invisalign is another option for yachties because it can be managed remotely. You come in for the initial fittings and can then receive your next aligners while you’re away. We dispense multiple sets in advance, so you only have to pop in for a check-up once you’re back. It’s a great solution for those with hectic travel schedules.

We also offer a dental clearance certificate at OptiSmile if you need a general check before starting a yacht contract. If you’re a newbie going out for your first season, it’s really wise to get your teeth checked, fix any small problems, and bring a certificate along. Captains are starting to value that because they don’t want a major tooth emergency mid-season.

Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio (22:48 – 23:06)
Excellent. And that’s it for another Save Your Money, Save Your Teeth with Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile. A big thanks to you, Doc, for another very interesting episode and for kicking off such a compelling topic at the start of a new year.

Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (23:06 – 23:11)
Thank you. It was great to be on again, and I look forward to speaking with you next week.

Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio (23:12 – 23:42)
Yes, absolutely. Next time, we’ll tackle Invisalign for Yachties. Also remember, while we strive to provide valuable insights in this podcast, always consult your own dental professional for advice tailored to your personal health.

Don’t forget to subscribe for more enlightening discussions. Join us again next week as we continue exploring the fascinating intersection of dental health and financial savvy. Until then, keep smiling and taking great care of your teeth.

Voice-Over (23:47 – 24:32)
Discover the world of dental excellence with OptiSmile. Join us for a weekly podcast featuring Dr Clifford Yudelman, a seasoned expert with 40 years of dental experience across four continents. Gain unique insights and expert advice by visiting OptiSmile.co.za for articles that illuminate the path to optimal oral health. If you’re seeking unparalleled dental care in Cape Town, get in touch with OptiSmile or book directly online at OptiSmile.co.za. OptiSmile – where global expertise meets local care.