Have you ever wondered why a perfectly fine tooth can suddenly start hurting during a flight?
Air travel exposes the body to rapid changes in atmospheric pressure. For pilots, flight attendants, military aviators, and frequent flyers, these pressure variations can affect oral tissues and existing dental work. The branch of dentistry that studies and manages these conditions is known as aviation dentistry.
What Happens to Teeth During Flight?
When an aircraft ascends, cabin pressure decreases. If tiny air pockets are trapped beneath fillings, crowns, or inside untreated cavities, the gas expands. This can cause:
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Sudden sharp toothache (barodontalgia)
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Fracture of weak restorations (odontocrexis)
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Loosening of crowns or dentures
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Sinus-related facial pain
Even small, unnoticed dental defects can become painful at high altitude.
Common Risk Factors
Flying personnel may also experience:
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Dry mouth (xerostomia), increasing risk of gum disease
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Fatigue and stress affecting oral hygiene
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Complications after recent extractions or root canal treatments
For example, an undetected oroantral communication after an upper molar extraction can worsen under pressure changes and lead to sinus problems.
Why Awareness Is Important
As global air travel continues to grow, dentists are more likely to encounter flight-related dental complaints. Preventive care, high-quality restorations, proper cement selection for crowns, and careful surgical planning are essential for individuals exposed to pressure cycling.
Final Thought
A minor cavity on the ground can turn into a major emergency in the air.
Regular dental check-ups and early treatment are not just about comfort — for aviators, they are about safety and performance.
After all, shouldn’t our oral health be flight-ready too?
MBH/PS
