Can cavities disqualify you from the Air Force?

An enlisting soldier must be free of cavities and have all dental work to address tooth decay completed by the time they are sworn in. If cavities are detected, this will not bar you from joining the military as long as you get the required fillings by the time you are sworn in.


Can you get a waiver for bad teeth to join the Air Force?

Chewing Issues

Congenital problems or other injuries that impact normal chewing need to get surgically repaired. If that is not possible, the U.S. Armed Forces consider it a disqualifying health issue. The good news is you can get a waiver if you have surgery for a chewing issue that is correctable.

What dental issues disqualify you from the military?

Generally, any disease in or around your mouth area that now prohibits you from chewing or swallowing will be disqualifying. Current diseases or pathology of the jaws or associated tissues that prevent the jaws' normal functioning.


Does the Air Force fix your teeth?

Our mission to keep our Airmen and their families healthy extends to their entire wellness, including their oral health. Working with the latest equipment and techniques, Air Force Dentists provide essential dental care with thorough examination, diagnosis and treatment of problems relating to the teeth and mouth.

Will the military fix my cavities?

Tooth cavities are expected to be filled in before an enlistee is allowed to join the military. While it is completely possible to have military dentists fix your teeth for you, the procedure would be better performed by civilian dentists, especially because they specialise in cosmetic dentistry.


Meps Doctors be like



Do they check your teeth in basic training?

No, the Army will provide dental care while in training.

Does MEPS check dental?

Your vision, hearing, blood pressure, blood work, and even your teeth and much more will be fully screened to see if you have any medically related issue that prevents you from being able to fulfill your time of service.

What if you have a cavity at MEPS?

If you have cavities, you must get them filled before being sworn into the military. If you need a root canal, you can still join the military through the delayed entry program. Bad breath is not considered grounds for insufficiently healthy teeth so this will not impact your ability to join the military.


What will MEPS disqualify you for?

What can disqualify you at MEPS? Any disqualifications that appear during your MEPS physical exam or interview may prevent you from joining the Army. These disqualifications can include illegal drug use, alcohol dependence, not meeting height/weight requirements, having certain contagious diseases, among others.

Can pilots have cavities?

Even cavities can get you (temporarily) disqualified, so get any work you need done in advance.

What are the 14 dental points?

So the number of points required to clear the Dental examination is 14, if a candidate fails to get 14 points they are termed as medically unfit for the interview stage.


Is gum allowed in basic training?

Gum, candy and chips are not allowed in basic training (but don't worry, you won't go hungry).

Can cavity damage be reversed?

Can tooth decay be reversed? Yes, if it is caught early. Tooth decay is only reversible in the beginning stages when it has only affected the enamel or the hard outer protective coating of the tooth. Once tooth decay has progressed through the enamel into the softer, inner part of the tooth, it is irreversible.

Are cavities permanent damage?

Cavities are permanently damaged areas in the hard surface of your teeth that develop into tiny openings or holes. Cavities, also called tooth decay or caries, are caused by a combination of factors, including bacteria in your mouth, frequent snacking, sipping sugary drinks and not cleaning your teeth well.


Are cavities irreparable?

This is because cavities are irreversible and the tooth simply just cannot repair itself anymore. The only option is for the dentist to repair the tooth by cleaning out the affected area and filling the hole.

How much force can teeth handle?

The average, healthy human tooth can withstand up to 30,000 pounds of comprehensive force and is much stronger than human bone. Each tooth is designed to perform a specific job and has its unique place in the human mouth.

Can I join the Air Force with braces?

You cannot be deployed if you are still in braces treatment, so you cannot be formally sworn into the military until your braces are removed. To enlist with braces on you'll have to join the Delayed Entry Program, which allows you to begin your enlistment while you finish your treatment.


Does the Air Force offer braces?

Many patients ask if braces are covered by the Air Force. Unfortunately, the Air Force Dental Corps isn't staffed nor funded to routinely provide braces or other orthodontic treatment. However, we at the 355th DS dental clinic are fully supportive of military members pursuing orthodontic treatment at their own expense.

Can you deploy with cavities?

As a result, the individual may experience severe toothaches, discomfort when biting or chewing, and even swelling. Again, dental treatment is often limited and not ideal in the deployed environment, so it is important have any cavities treated prior to deploying.

Does the military take out your wisdom teeth?

Recruit training already has scheduled days for dental visits to assess a recruits teeth, and then conduct any dental procedures that need to be done. Not every recruit will have their wisdom teeth removed. If the dentist believes that a future problem is possible they'll usually take that next step and remove them.


How many teeth are required in army?

(u) The candidates should have sufficient number of natural and sound teeth. A minimum of 14 dental points will be acceptable. When 32 teeth are present, the total dental points are 22.

What are Air Force Disqualifiers?

This includes modifications that are obscene or advocate sexual, racial, ethnic or religious discrimination. Even if rectified, excessive scarring resulting from tattoo removal may also be disqualifying. Tattoos are not completely disqualifying, however.

What makes you ineligible for the Air Force?

There are age, citizenship, physical, education, height/weight, criminal record, medical, and drug history standards that can exclude you from joining the military.


What can stop you from joining the airforce?

This list is not comprehensive but is intended to provide some guidance to applicants regarding common disqualifying issues.
  1. Vision Disqualification. ...
  2. Dental Disqualification. ...
  3. Ears and Hearing Disqualification. ...
  4. Allergic Conditions Disqualification. ...
  5. Skin Disqualification. ...
  6. Psychiatric Disorders.


How many recruits fail MEPS?

Unfortunately, it doesn't always happen that way. Approximately 11 percent of Army applicants don't qualify on the first trip to the MEPS, delaying their entry into the Army by days, weeks or sometimes months.
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