The Relationship between Flying and Toothache
These changes can play havoc within the ears, nose, and mouth. Whilst frequent leaflets are extremely acquainted with the ‘popped ears’ phenomenon, even regular tourists can be taken by surprise when meetinged with a tooth pain at high altitudes. The changes in pressure can take a mild twinge or a dull ache– which was perfectly bearable before– and turn it into a major pain.
Understanding Toothache While Flying and Plane Landing
If you are yet to experience this type of toothache, you are probably questioning what all the hassle is about. Nevertheless, the concern prevails enough to warrant its own branch of dentistry. Aeronautics dentistry is an emerging science which studies the impact of flying on the status of teeth. Its primary purpose is to comprehend how flying affects dental health, so that more can be done to prevent conditions connected with changes in atmospheric pressure.
Barodontalgia
This condition is a vital one to understand how to spot, because it usually symbolizes the presence of a hidden problem. Barodontalgia is a type of dental pain (or tooth pain) which happens as a result of changes in air pressure. However, oftentimes, the pain results from the stimulation of delicate nerve endings. This can be an indicator of subclinical oral disease.
The pain is characterised by a sharp squeezing sensation. If it is most extreme during take-off, it might be associated with pulpitis. If it is more of a problem during landing, it might be associated with pulpal necrosis. Or, if the pain is similarly bad whilst the plane is climbing and descending, you could be revealing signs of periapical disease.
Odontocrexis
This ailment is likewise known by the rather frightening name of ‘barometric tooth explosion.’ It does not include any actual explosions, so you need not stress right now. In this case, the pain is caused by the eruption of gas caught underneath bad quality remediations, crowns, or problematic cavities.
It is likely to occur if you have holes in your repair work, a dislodged crown, or persistent degeneration in any of your teeth. The pain can be mild to severe, depending on the quantity of gas released. If you experience this type of pain whilst flying, you are recommended to speak with a dental expert as quickly as possible. You might have developed a fracture in several of your teeth.
Barotitis
As the ears, mouth, and nose are all connected, it is common for a pain in one to result in a pains in the others. This is especially true when flying, as the conditions are so atypical. For instance, barotitis takes place during descent and landing, due to the fact that the pressure change develops a vacuum within the middle ear.
This draws the eardrum even more inwards than is typical. The result is a really sharp (typically stabbing) pain within one or both ears. In many cases, this may likewise result in a dull ache or pain within the teeth. Whilst barotitis is not believed to be related to underlying dental problems, it is constantly a great idea to monitor tooth ache and seek advice if it becomes consistent or extremely bothersome.
Barosinusitis
Like barotitis, barosinusitus is caused by flying at high altitudes. The changes in pressure cause unfavorable pressure to build up between the exterior environment and the interior paranasal air sinuses. This causes inflammation of the sinuses, with the frontal sinus taking most of the strain.
When once again, this is not thought to be linked with underlying dental problems, however it can end up causing barodontalgia. The pain is most likely to be moderate to severe and characterised by a contracting and expanding sensation. This will be felt as a type of squeezing of the influenced teeth and gums. If the pain is bearable, it may be controlled or alleviated with painkillers.
Periorbital Headaches
The periorbital headache is a rather more serious condition which is not always linked to flying. However, the climatic changes experienced during a flight are likely to trigger the symptoms. This condition is often called a ‘cluster headache’] and it mainly affects a small amount of young (20-40 years) males. If you are prone to this condition, you probably currently find out about it or take medication to manage the symptoms.
It can be an issue for females, however the condition seems more common in men. The periorbital headache is exceptionally painful. It can temporarily hinder the eyesight, cause weird behavior, cause immense agitation, and facial flushing. If you experience a periorbital headache whilst on board a plane, you are strongly recommended to inform an attendant. They might be able to provide you some sort of medical assistance.
Preventing Toothache While Flying
There are a number of things that you can do to reduce the risk of toothache whilst flying and during plane landing. This is important since tooth problems are not just painful, they can really quickly become persistent. First and foremost, do not board an aircraft with an underlying tooth issue. Clearly, this will not constantly be possible, but it is recommended to seek advice from a dentist before you travel.
If you have recently had work done on your teeth (repair works or remediations), do speak to your dental professional about how they are most likely to react to the journey. For the many part, modern-day fillings and other treatments respond completely fine to flying. However, it is always best to examine so that you do not get challenged with any nasty surprises.
Likewise, your dentist will be able to make sure that vital follow-up appointments are performed before you jet off. In truth, if you fly regularly for work, it could be worth talking about certain dental strategies with your expert. It is typically better to opt for cement resin remediations, as opposed to glass ionomers, since they are proven to sustain crowns more securely at high altitudes.
Practical Tips for Dealing with Toothache While Flying and Plane Landing
Once again, this will not constantly be possible, however if it is, avoid flying when you have a cold or flu. Or, if you have to get on board, carry a decongestant with you. This will help to minimise pain during landing and take-off. If you usually experience pain in your areas and teeth while flying, try slowly sucking on sweet or chewing gum during the flight.
Or, alternatively, keep your ear plugs in during ascent and descent. Some high quality filtered ear plugs are excellent for gradually balancing out the air pressure versus eardrums. The opportunity to hear music will also minimise the strange sensation connected with loss of hearing, due to altitude changes. If you are on a long air travel, do not forget to leave your seat and extend your legs often, even if it is simply to go to the bathroom.
The single best thing that you can do if you are a person who is used to experiencing consistent tooth problems is to talk with your dentist. Do not be afraid to ask concerns, due to the fact that it is their job making sure that your teeth enter and leave the aeroplane in the best condition possible. It is very important not to underestimate the impact which flying can have on the body.
Dental Care in Unique Circumstances
It is a severe environment and it can affect physical health in a special manner. As the science of air travel dentistry establishes, it will end up being much easier to avoid and treat altitude-related conditions. Nevertheless, caution, care, and a familiarity with your own dental health will always be the best technique. You are the first one to spot the changes, so ensure that handling them is first on your program.
If you are planning to head off on vacation in the future, you might wish to download the MyDentist app. This handy program permits you to remain in direct contact with your dental practitioner. So, even if you can not visit face to face, you can share pictures and messages about unanticipated tooth pain while flying and plane landing. Then, your dental expert can use this details to make a casual diagnosis and advise you on the next best step.
