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From crowded seats to turbulence, there are many uncomfortable elements of flying. However, one source of discomfort that people might not expect is dental pain. When you’re on a plane, climbing to higher elevations can cause physical changes that trigger toothaches, which may be worse after dental procedures, such as teeth extractions. To shed more light on this topic, here are a few important points to know about air travel and oral health.

How Does Flying Affect Your Teeth?

When you fly, air pressure changes in the cabin will lead to similar changes in your body. In some cases, this environment can increase sinus pressure, which may aggravate tooth nerves in the back of your mouth. Air bubbles may also form inside a tooth, causing varying degrees of discomfort.

However, while these experiences may be uncomfortable, they aren’t threatening to your long-term oral health. In fact, people can develop toothaches mid-flight even if they have perfectly healthy smiles. As such, it’s typically safe to fly after teeth extractions and other dental procedures.

Should You Schedule Dental Work Before or After Your Flight?

teeth extractionsIf you have dental needs that arise around travel plans, talk to your dentist about whether immediate treatment is necessary. However, it’s often a good idea to have dental work performed before you take off, as many problems can become more painful during air pressure changes.

Ideally, you should schedule dental work at least 48 hours before a flight, so you have time to recover comfortably.

How Can You Stay Comfortable During a Flight After Dental Work?

To stay ahead of discomfort during a flight, bring over-the-counter pain medications in your carry-on bag to reduce inflammation and pain. Also, bring a small plastic bag. If you need to lessen inflammation, ask the flight attendant to put some ice in the bag and hold it to your cheek for 10 minutes at a time.

If you had a tooth extraction, pack extra gauze in your bag to help control the light bleeding that's common around treatment sites during recovery. Finally, carry snacks that won't require much chewing, as this extra force may intensify a toothache during flight.

 

If you need an emergency dental procedure before travelling, contact BridgeView Dental Group in Kodiak, AK. Whether you need teeth extractions or root canals, this dentist will provide gentle and complete treatment. Recognized for their personalized approach to care, this practice will also offer tips on how to improve recovery after treatment, as well as minimize discomfort during travel. For more details on these services, visit this local family dentist online. To schedule an appointment, call (907) 486-3257.

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