Can Altitude Affect Your Dental Work?
Posted on 2/2/2026 by Mountain State Oral and Facial Surgery |
 Have you ever noticed a weird twinge in your tooth while flying in an airplane or hiking in the mountains? It's not just your imagination! Changes in altitude can sometimes affect your teeth, especially if you've recently had dental work. Let's explore how this happens and what you can do to protect your oral health at higher elevations.
Understanding the Connection
The air pressure around us changes as we go up or down in altitude. Think about a sealed bag of chips on an airplane – it puffs up as the plane climbs. The same principle applies to the tiny spaces within your teeth. If you have small pockets of air trapped under a filling, crown, or other restoration, that air will expand as the external air pressure decreases. This expansion can put pressure on the surrounding tooth structure and nerves, leading to discomfort.
This phenomenon is called barodontalgia, which literally means "tooth pain due to pressure." It's most commonly experienced during airplane flights, scuba diving, or mountain climbing, but even changes in elevation within your local area could potentially trigger it in susceptible individuals.
Who's Most at Risk?
Not everyone experiences tooth pain at altitude. However, certain factors increase your risk:
| • |
Recent Dental Work: If you've just had a filling, root canal, extraction, or other procedure, your teeth may be more sensitive to pressure changes. Allow adequate time for your mouth to heal following restoration dentistry. |
| • |
Untreated Cavities: Small, undetected cavities can trap air and become painful at altitude. Regular dental check-ups are crucial for identifying and addressing these issues early on. |
| • |
Faulty Fillings or Crowns: If a filling or crown isn't properly sealed, air can leak in and out, causing pain and potential damage to the tooth. |
| • |
Sinus Infections: Sinus congestion can sometimes mimic tooth pain, especially in the upper molars. |
Symptoms to Watch For
The symptoms of barodontalgia can vary from mild discomfort to sharp, throbbing pain. You might experience:
| • |
A dull ache in a specific tooth |
| • |
A sharp, stabbing pain when ascending or descending |
| • |
Sensitivity to pressure or temperature |
| • |
Pain that radiates to other parts of your face |
How to Prevent Altitude-Related Tooth Pain
While you can't control the altitude, you can take steps to minimize your risk of tooth pain:
| • |
Schedule Regular Dental Check-ups: Ensure your teeth are healthy and free of cavities or other problems before traveling to high altitudes. Maintain excellent oral care habits at home. |
| • |
Postpone Non-Essential Dental Work: If you're planning a trip to the mountains or a flight, avoid scheduling major dental procedures right before your departure. Allow time for your mouth to heal fully. |
| • |
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: If you're prone to altitude-related tooth pain, consider taking an over-the-counter pain reliever before and during your ascent or descent. |
| • |
Chew Gum or Suck on Candy: These activities can help equalize the pressure in your ears and potentially alleviate tooth pain. |
| • |
Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can worsen tooth sensitivity, so drink plenty of water. |
| • |
See Your Dentist: If you experience persistent or severe tooth pain at altitude, consult your dentist to rule out any underlying dental problems. |
Taking care of your teeth is important for your overall well-being, especially when you're traveling or engaging in activities at different altitudes. By understanding the potential effects of air pressure on your dental work and following these simple tips, you can keep your smile healthy and pain-free, no matter where you go.
|
|
