Flying can be unpleasant for several reasons. There isn't that much space, you might experience some flight anxiety, and so on. But, if you also tend to get a toothache while flying, you may dread the process even more.
Why does your tooth hurt when you are on an airplane? There can be various reasons for it.
Let's dive right in!
Reasons You May Get a Toothache When Flying
- You Got a Cavity - A cavity is basically a small hole in the surface of the tooth. It's easy for air to get trapped in that space and cause pain and discomfort.
- Air Got Trapped in a Dental Filling - If you have an old dental filling that might have a crack or tiny gap in it then the air could get trapped inside, causing you pain. The same can be true if the filling isn't covering the cavity completely and the air gets stuck inside. You may experience pain because of the sudden change in cabin pressure.
- Tooth Sensitivity - Even if you don't have a filling or a cavity, the sudden change of cabin pressure as the airplane flies to a higher altitude can create discomfort if you are already experiencing teeth sensitivity.
- Cracked Teeth - Pain when flying doesn't happen just in the case of a cavity or old filling. Any gap, no matter how small, where the air can get trapped, has the potential to cause pain and discomfort.
How to Prevent a Toothache When Flying
The best way to prevent a toothache when flying is to schedule an appointment with your dentist before the flight, especially if you know that you have a cavity. This way, the dentist can fill the cavity to reduce the possibility of air getting stuck inside. Likewise, if you have some old dental work, then the dentist can check the filling's integrity and see if any microscopic gaps need to be filled.
Even if you think that your oral health is in good condition, it's still good to see your dentist as they can uncover potential issues that you may not be aware of yet.
How to Manage Pain While Flying
If you can't make it to your dentist appointment before flying and are afraid that you may experience tooth pain, make sure to pack some over-the-counter pain medicine, like Ibuprofen. This can help you numb the area and ease your discomfort during your flight. But, keep in mind that this is just a temporary fix. You will have to see your dentist as soon as possible to identify the problem that is making it so difficult for you to fly.
Need a Dentist in Ruston? We Are Just a Phone Call Away
Are you looking for a trusted, professional, and thorough dentist in Ruston? Then you should book your appointment with Ruston dentist Patrick Stuckey, DDS.
Visit our contact page to schedule your next visit online or call us at (318) 255-8648.
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