Pain after flying is a recognized phenomenon that points toward an underlying dental vulnerability. This discomfort, known medically as barodontalgia, is a pressure-related toothache triggered by dramatic shifts in cabin altitude. For certain travelers, the change in atmospheric pressure stimulates nerves within a compromised tooth. This condition signals a pre-existing dental issue, often asymptomatic on the ground, that has been aggravated by the flight environment.
Why Air Travel Causes Tooth Pain
The cause of barodontalgia lies in the physics of gas expansion, explained by Boyle’s Law. This law states that as external pressure decreases, the volume of gas trapped in a fixed space increases. During air travel, the cabin pressure decreases as the aircraft climbs, causing trapped air within the body to expand.
This expanding gas exerts pressure on the sensitive dental pulp and nerve endings, resulting in pain. Air becomes trapped in compromised areas of the tooth that are not sealed, such as beneath a faulty filling, an ill-fitting crown, or within an untreated cavity. Even microscopic air pockets from a recent dental procedure can expand enough to cause discomfort. The pain is caused by gas expansion exploiting a structural defect in the tooth.
The proximity of the upper teeth to the maxillary sinuses means that air trapped in the sinus cavity due to congestion or infection can cause referred pain. This phenomenon, known as barosinusitis, can be confused with a toothache because the pressure change irritates the nerves shared between the sinus and the upper molars. The pressure change during ascent or descent is the trigger that reveals the underlying issue.
Typical Duration and When to Seek Help
The duration of tooth pain after flying indicates the severity of the underlying issue. Mild pain resulting solely from pressure equalization will resolve quickly, often within minutes or a few hours after landing and cabin pressure normalization. This transient discomfort stops once the trapped gas volume returns to its original size.
If the pain persists for more than a few hours after disembarking, or if it is accompanied by other symptoms, it suggests a more serious problem. Persistent, severe, or throbbing pain continuing for 24 to 48 hours indicates the pressure change exacerbated a pre-existing condition, such as irreversible pulpitis, a periapical abscess, or a tooth fracture. The pain will not fully subside until the underlying pathology is treated.
You must seek professional dental care immediately if the pain is accompanied by swelling in the face or gums, fever, or a loosened dental restoration. These are signs of an acute infection or mechanical failure that require urgent attention. Barodontalgia serves as a diagnostic warning, revealing a condition that needs a dental examination and treatment, such as a root canal or restoration replacement.
Immediate Relief and Prevention Strategies
For immediate, temporary relief after landing, over-the-counter pain relievers can manage the discomfort. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, are recommended because they reduce both pain and inflammation. You can also alternate ibuprofen with acetaminophen to maintain pain control while staying within safe dosage limits.
Applying a cold compress to the outside of the cheek near the affected area can help numb the pain and minimize swelling. Avoid consuming very hot or very cold foods and beverages, as temperature extremes can irritate the sensitive nerve and worsen the pain. These measures are only temporary solutions until you can see a dental professional.
The most effective strategy to prevent barodontalgia is ensuring optimal oral health before flying. This involves scheduling a dental check-up several weeks before air travel to address existing cavities, leaky fillings, or signs of infection. If you have recently undergone extensive dental work, such as a surgical extraction or a root canal, dentists advise waiting 48 to 72 hours before flying. This waiting period allows trapped air to dissipate and ensures temporary materials have properly set, minimizing the risk of a pressure-induced flare-up.