As you prepare to fly to visit family for the holidays, now is the time to consider the effect of flying immediately after having dental work performed. If you’re planning to visit the dentist before your trip, the information below details what you need to know about air travel and tooth pain. 

What Causes Tooth Pain During a Flight?

Altitude changes and air pressure will not make healthy teeth hurt, nor will it worsen your cavities or gum disease. It can, however, affect how pre-existing dental issues feel in your mouth. If your teeth are sensitive as a result of recent dental surgery, the pressure change may cause discomfort.

Additionally, air can enter teeth with loose fillings or cracks. When the air expands due to air pressure changes, you may feel a toothache. If you have a new cavity, it might begin to ache during the flight. Keep in mind that pain in the back of the teeth may not be tooth pain, but ache caused by sinus pressure.

What Should I Do to Prepare?

Avoid having any major procedures that day before or the day of a flight. However, if you do have a problem with your teeth, consider having those taken care of a few weeks before your trip. Cracked or sensitive teeth are particularly vulnerable to pain during a flight. You can also take an over-the-counter pain reliever before takeoff if you’re anticipating tooth pain. Avoid very cold or very hot beverages, and choose water over sugary juices or soda.

Dental pain during a flight is so common that a subfield of dentistry—aviation dentistry—was developed so dentists can study the unique effects of the air pressure and altitude changes. If you’re concerned that your dental condition will cause pain during an upcoming trip, talk to your dentist to avoid any mid-flight surprises.

BridgeView Dental Group in Kodiak Island, AK, is the dentist you can trust with services from preventative care to emergency dentistry. Their dentists are trained in the latest techniques, using state-of-the-art technology. Patients who are nervous about visiting the dentist will appreciate their friendly, compassionate approach, whether they’re having a check-up or a root canal procedure. Call (907) 486-3257 to schedule an appointment or visit their website to see a list of their services.