Some travelers have experienced unwanted tooth pains while flying due to changes in cabin pressure, which commonly affects the ears. If the pressure is too much, this pain can travel to the gums and teeth as well. Chewing or yawning can relieve some of that pressure, and that will usually help alleviate toothaches as well.
But what if the toothache isn’t caused by the pressure in your ears? What might be causing your teeth to hurt then?
Common Reasons Why Your Tooth Can Hurt When You Fly
When you’re on an airplane, you are exposed to both a pressure change and an increase in altitude, which could lead to toothache if you have a filling with air trapped inside. This occurs when the dental filling didn’t completely fill the hole left by removing the damaged tooth tissues, but it can also happen if the filling is old and chipped, and air manages to get inside.
Some other common reasons why your teeth hurt when you fly can include:
- Sensitive Teeth – If you experience tooth sensitivity, such as when you drink cold or hot drinks, the cabin pressure can cause discomfort;
- Dental Cavities – Cavities are holes in your teeth that can allow air to become trapped. When the pressure changes in the airplane, tooth pain can soon follow;
- Cracked or Chipped Teeth – Even if you don’t have a dental filling, if one of your natural teeth is cracked or chipped, it can also allow unwanted air to be trapped and cause pain while flying.
What Can You Do?
The good news is that most of the reasons why your tooth is hurting when you fly can be fixed with a visit to the dentist. If you notice a toothache coming on next time you’re in an airplane, you should see a dentist as soon as you can, before your next flight, to ensure you can alleviate your discomfort.
During the actual flight, you can take OTC pain medication to alleviate some of the discomfort until you can see a dentist. Also, be sure to keep some chewing gum on hand to help relieve some of the pressure in your ears, which can help to relieve some of the pain.
Additionally, seeing the dentist routinely at least twice a year for preventative care can all but remove such episodes from your travel. Recurring visits give the dentist plenty of time to spot cavities or chips in your teeth and resolve them before air gets trapped.
Come to Auburn Hills Family Dentistry
Notice your teeth hurt when you fly? Stop by Auburn Hills Family Dentistry for a consultation, and let’s see why this is happening. Our restorative dental services can help you stay on top of your oral health needs, and ensure you have a comfortable, pain-free flight.
Book a consultation with Dr. Josh Haycock online, or call us today at (678) 804-8818 to find out more about how we can help.
