When you settle in your plane seat and prepare for takeoff, the last thing you want to think about is an in-flight toothache. It can start suddenly and make the remainder of your tip excruciating. Flying is the culprit, and it’s important to understand what oral health issues you might be dealing with. By seeing a dentist and resolving them before your trip, you can be confident you won’t experience a toothache in the air.

The Connection Between Flying and Toothaches

How Does Flying Cause Tooth Pain?

As you climb to higher altitudes, you’ll experience a pressure change, commonly felt in your head and ears. It can also impact your teeth. If you have decay or a cavity, air can get trapped in the decayed area and then expand, resulting in a toothache when it can’t escape as pressure increases. This can also occur with fillings and some cosmetic dental work. Luckily, flying won’t make these oral health issues worse—you’ll just experience discomfort until you land.

How Do I Manage Pain?

The primary goal is to prevent pain altogether. If you have healthy teeth, you shouldn’t anticipate a toothache. If you have outstanding dental health issues, see the dentist before you fly so they can resolve them. Any dental work that you’re unable to fix and are concerned about can often be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Keep in mind that if you have naturally sensitive teeth, you may be more susceptible to a toothache and should speak with your dentist about solutions.

Should I See My Dentist? 

Tooth sensitivity is caused by weakened enamel, making you more susceptible to decay. You need to see a dentist to find ways to re-mineralize your teeth and defend against discomfort. Whether you’re a frequent or an occasional flyer, schedule bi-annual checkups so your dentist can thoroughly clean your teeth and catch early signs of oral issues, such as periodontal disease or decay.

Whether you’re heading out of town or are just overdue for a checkup, turn to the Dr. Thomas Park DDS, of Seymour, CT. He offers a wide scope of dental care services ranging from gum disease treatment and management to cosmetic dentistry enhancements. He takes a personalized approach and will work closely with you to resolve a toothache, cavity, or other oral health issue. To schedule an appointment, call (203) 888-9947 and visit his website to see a list of services.