from Riverside Dental Group will explain how gas pockets can get inside your teeth when you fly, imposing possible discomfort, and even potential tooth damage.
Are High-Altitude Toothaches Serious?
People that might be afflicted by barodontalgia are generally those that have undiagnosed cavities, fillings, deep tooth crevices, or mouth inflammation. The sudden barometric pressure changes that occur when a plane ascends or descends can cause gas expansion. Many people find that this pressure bothers different parts of their body such as intestines, sinuses, and ear canals. You may have heard that chewing gum helps to “pop” ears to relieve the pressure. The tissues in these various body parts are very pliant and can generally weather gas build-up with slight discomfort at the most. However, the dentin and enamel of your teeth are much more rigid and cannot expand in the same way. If the gas pockets create too much pressure, you may find yourself with a dental crisis.
High Altitude Toothache Symptoms
If you are on a plane flight and feel sudden sensitivity, pressure, soreness, or even sharp pain in your teeth, you may have cause for concern, but try not to panic. Tooth restorations (crowns, caps, veneers, or fillings) can actually pop off during a flight. If that happens, be careful not to swallow the restoration. The good news about in-flight toothaches is that they may alert you to tooth decay that has not been diagnosed yet. If you do end up with any of the above mentioned symptoms that seem to correlate with altitude shifts, you should make an appointment with your Moreno Valley general dentists as soon as you collect your luggage (or some time shortly thereafter).
Dental Checkups with Moreno Valley General Dentists
If you are due for a dental checkup, or in need of any general dentistry services schedule an appointment at our Moreno Valley dentist office by contacting us at (951) 697-6800. Located in the 92533 area, we proudly serve patients from Moreno Valley and all surrounding communities.
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