Things You Probably Didn’t Know: How Flying Can Affect Your Oral Health

Have you ever noticed that whenever you travel by airplane, you tend to have air pockets on your ears that sometimes hurt? This phenomenon usually happens due to a rapid change in atmospheric pressure. However, did you also know that the same thing that happens to our ears during flight also happens to our teeth? Such a condition is called Barodontalgia.

Unfortunately, the combination of having toothache and flying is a pain in the butt, and it is more common than you might think. Even travelers can be taken aback by this phenomenon; hence a new branch of science has emerged called aviation dentistry. This branch of science aims to understand how flying affects our oral health.

Should You Be Concerned?

There is no need to panic if you ever experience tooth pains when flying, as it won’t make the issue worse. On the contrary, though, it is an early sign of oral health problems. For the aviation industry, however, pilots and the rest of the flight crew should practice proper oral hygiene as having poor oral health can directly affect their flying.

If you’re an aspiring pilot or wish to be part of the flight crew, you should be ok to fly according to Skygate Dental if you don’t have any problems with your oral health since experiencing tooth pain when flying can be a bit bothersome for the whole duration of the flight. Hence, flight crews always have a yearly dental check-up to avoid such experiences.

What Causes Tooth Pains when Flying?

Aviation dentistry has identified different types of dental pains and the causes one might experience on a flight so that more can be done to prevent disorders related to changes in atmospheric pressure. Common dental problems you may experience during a flight are:

●  Barodontalgia:

It is a type of dental pain that happens whenever there is a rapid change of pressure. The pain that one experiences from barodontalgia results from stimulation of sensitive nerve endings inside our teeth; it is also essential to know how to spot such tooth pain as it can indicate subclinical oral disease.

The pain from barodontalgia is said to be a feeling of sharp squeezing sensation during take-off or landing. Although the pain can range from mild to moderate, it is best advised to see a dentist for treatment if the pain is so severe.

●  Odontocrexis:

This type of ailment is also known as ‘barometric tooth explosion.’ Although the name is quite frightening, it does not involve any actual explosion. It is named as such due to the eruption of trapped gases inside your teeth that may have seeped in through poor quality restorations or having cavities. Pain from odonto crexis can range from mild to severe depending on the amount of gas released. Seeing a dentist is the best solution if you ever experience such pain as you may have developed a fracture in one or more of your teeth.

●  Abscessed Tooth:

It is a painful infection at the root or gum of the tooth commonly caused by tooth decay. Although an abscessed tooth is not caused by flying, it can directly enhance the pain, especially when the plane increases altitude. Dentists normally do not advise flying if an abscessed tooth is present until it is treated.

Can You Avoid Toothache When Flying?

One way to avoid experiencing toothaches when flying is to constantly practice proper oral hygiene, as this can improve your oral health. Brushing your teeth every after meals and regularly drinking water are some practices of proper oral hygiene. It is also ideal for packing a set of toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss when traveling or flying.

However, if you experience any tooth pain even before flying, then there is a possibility that you may have developed some oral issues. The best plan of action is to consult a dentist before your scheduled flight to avoid further complications.

Can I Fly After Recent Dental Work?

It is typically safe to fly within a day of receiving dental work, as long as your dentist permits you. However, there should be a few things to remember when flying after dental work. Keep in mind these tips:

• After oral surgery, it is best to bring clean gauze or cotton balls, as your gums may bleed due to cabin pressure and change in altitude.
• Once you have landed at your destination, go to a local clinic and see a dentist to ensure no complications during the flight.
• Don’t forget your painkillers in case you experience any pain or discomfort during the flight.

Takeaway

Experiencing dental pain when flying is just as common as having air pockets in your ears during flight, and it can be an annoying flight experience especially for pilots and the rest of the flight crew, and even passengers. Although it can be avoided as long as you consult a dentist before your scheduled flight and always practice proper oral hygiene.