If you’ve ever been at 30,000 feet and gotten a sharp pain in your tooth, you know that flying can give you a toothache. But why does it happen? And how can you help prevent it? Let’s take a mile-high view of airplane-related toothaches.

Why Can Flying Give you a Toothache?

It all comes down to changes in pressure. Elevation increases pain—the higher you go, the more you feel the pain due to an increase in pressure. You may also feel this pressure in your ears, eyes, sinuses, and even your joints.

Toothaches while flying is a condition known as aerodontalgia or barodontalgia. Such pain shouldn’t occur in healthy teeth, so if you get a toothache while flying, that’s the sign of a problematic tooth. The pain can cause old issues to flair and new issues to arise. However, keep this in mind: Though the pain may increase while flying, issues with gingivitis, loose fillings, and cavities won’t be made worse.

How to Manage a Toothache While Flying

If you experience tooth pain prior to a flight—even in the slightest—you should book an appointment with your dentist. If you don’t have pain but have a history of dental issues, you could save yourself some issues by letting your dentist take a look before you take off. They may be able to offer you pain medications to help curb issues while in the air.

Should You See a Dentist?

Are you concerned a toothache is going to ruin your flight? Schedule an appointment today and Dr. Fernandez will help get you on your way to a healthier, happier smile.