Recently by Eric Peters: Insuring the Driver – Not the Vehicles
When people talk about preps theyre usually talking about things like ammunition and food both of which, obviously, are good things to keep handy in the event the SHTF. But, itll also be good to keep your teeth otherwise youll have trouble eating that food and the ammunition you use to down those deer wont do you much good without a blender.
And a straw.
Not only that. An abscess can be just as lethal (only slower and more painful) than a gunshot wound. There is strong scientific evidence that a correlation exists between tooth decay/bacteria in ones mouth and other, more serious ailments. Dentists will not be easy to find in a SHTF scenario, so avoiding or at least, putting off the need to find one in a SHTF scenario is arguably just as important as having sufficient food and ammo.
So, buy toothpaste.
And floss. And extra toothbrushes.
Figure one tube for a month, two packs of floss for a month and one new toothbrush every six months. Get enough for a year ahead at least. All this stuff keeps effectively indefinitely, so theres no downside to stocking up. Worst case best case, actually you have pre-bought items that are certain to get more costly in the months and years ahead, even if the S does not H the F. And unlike MREs which you may never eat if the S doesnt H the F you will use that toothpaste, floss and spare brushes.
What else?
Of course, theres TP. Dont forget TP, whatever you do. Sanitation is absolutely crucial to surviving, long-term (and even short-term) in a SHTF scenario. Corn cobs wont cut it. Theres a reason why the average person died in his 40s in the 18th century: Filth. Which leads to disease. Which leads to death. TP will help keep things clean which will help keep you and yours alive as well as comfortable. Like toothpaste and floss, TP also has the virtue of being imperishable. Theres no harm in stocking up. And potentially, much to be gained.
Related: Its smart to think about what you might do if the plumbing stops working because city waters off (or you cant run your well pump regularly). If you live in a rural area or at least have some backyard, a necessary as Thomas Jefferson called them will be something to consider. You absolutely do not want to you-know-what where you live.