A sudden, sharp toothache during air travel is known as barodontalgia, or “flyer’s toothache.” This intense dental pain results directly from the unique atmospheric conditions inside an airplane cabin. If you have a pre-existing dental issue, the change in altitude can rapidly turn a comfortable flight into an agonizing experience. This guide provides travelers with actionable steps to understand, prevent, and stop this unexpected dental pain.
Why Altitude Triggers Dental Pain
The pain experienced during a flight is governed by Boyle’s Law. This law states that as the pressure surrounding a gas decreases, the volume of that gas must expand. When an aircraft ascends, the cabin pressure drops, causing any tiny air pockets trapped within the body to increase in size.
These microscopic air pockets often exist within compromised dental structures, such as deep, untreated cavities, beneath loose or defective fillings, or near an infected tooth root. As the air inside these confined spaces expands, it pushes against the sensitive dental pulp and surrounding nerves, causing severe barodontalgia. The pain typically intensifies during ascent and may subside or shift during descent.
Immediate Strategies for In-Flight Relief
If dental pain begins after takeoff, immediately try to manage the discomfort before it escalates. The most accessible defense is an over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, which works to reduce inflammation around the nerve. Take this medication at the first sign of discomfort rather than waiting for the pain to become severe.
You can apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek next to the affected area to help numb the pain. Ask the flight crew for a cup of ice wrapped in a napkin or cloth for this purpose. Avoid consuming very hot or very cold liquids, as temperature extremes can irritate the sensitive nerve and intensify the throbbing sensation.
Pressure Equalization and Topical Relief
Certain pressure equalization techniques may offer relief if the pain is related to nearby sinus pressure. Gently performing the Valsalva maneuver (pinching your nose and blowing softly while keeping your mouth closed) can sometimes help balance pressure in the surrounding air passages. Chewing sugar-free gum stimulates swallowing, which helps equalize pressure in the middle ear and adjacent sinuses. If you have access to a topical anesthetic gel containing benzocaine, applying it directly to the painful gum area can provide temporary surface numbness.
Essential Pre-Flight Preventative Measures
The best way to stop a toothache on a plane is to prevent it from starting, requiring a proactive dental check-up before your trip. Schedule a full examination with your dentist, especially if you have experienced any tooth sensitivity or minor pain recently. The dentist can identify and treat underlying issues like deep decay or small cracks that are likely to trap air during altitude changes.
If you have recently undergone dental procedures (such as a root canal, extraction, or a new filling), wait at least 48 to 72 hours before flying. Fresh dental work can sometimes harbor minute air bubbles prone to expansion, and the surrounding tissue needs time to fully heal and stabilize. Your dentist can confirm the optimal waiting period based on the procedure’s complexity.
Sinus health is directly related to dental pain at altitude because the roots of the upper back teeth are close to the maxillary sinuses. If you are prone to allergies or head colds, using a decongestant spray or pill before the flight can minimize sinus congestion and associated pressure on your upper teeth. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene and staying well-hydrated before your flight can also reduce overall inflammation, making your teeth less reactive to pressure changes.
When to Seek Professional Dental Care
Experiencing barodontalgia indicates an underlying dental problem that requires professional follow-up care. Schedule a dental appointment upon landing if the pain was severe or persists for more than 24 hours after the flight. Severe, constant pain or throbbing that does not subside with over-the-counter medication suggests a significant nerve or pulp issue.
Seek immediate care if the pain is accompanied by facial swelling, a fever, or a bad taste in your mouth, as these are signs of a spreading infection or abscess. When you visit the dentist, mention that the pain was specifically triggered by the pressure changes of air travel. This information is a valuable clue for diagnosing a potentially compromised filling, deep cavity, or a previously asymptomatic infection.