Toothache in airplane? What you need to know

It is no longer news that flying via airplane is one of the safest and fastest means of transportation on earth today. It is also popular knowledge that airplanes are easily the preferred choice for many travellers today. Many people prefer to fly to different locations for various reasons, including safety, fastness, luxury, convenience, among others. However, as seamless and convenient as a flight can be, there are cases where people experience different forms of discomfort during air travel.

Those who have been in a situation where they feel toothache or pain in the mouth during a flight will agree that the experience can be quite uncomfortable and frustrating, especially if someone doesn’t know anything about the condition. As a matter of fact, some people have developed a phobia of travelling by air because of such experiences. The truth, however, is that there is a cause for this condition, and there are remedies to help manage it with the right information at disposal.

This article will show the top essential things to know about experiencing a toothache in an airplane. It will also highlight some causes of this condition and remedies that can work to reduce the pain. Read on to discover more.

What causes toothache on an airplane?

Dental health professionals like dentist Dr Browne and other scientists have tried to offer explanations for the reason why people experience toothache and other types of pains in the mouth during an air flight. According to thesprofessionals, people experience this pain because the air in their system is making efforts to adjust to the various changes in air pressure around them as the plane ascends or descends.

Often, people who have unhealthy sets of teeth are more prone to the condition. This means that people are less likely to experience this problem if they maintain healthy dental hygiene. However, chances of feeling such pains get higher with dental problems like cavities, fillings, etc. Also, they might not experience any pain on the ground but they will begin to feel severe toothache once the plane takes off.

Other causes of toothache in a plane

Chipped or cracked teeth: cracked or chipped teeth can also cause severe pain in a plane. This is because it creates space for air to be trapped in the mouth during the flight.

Tooth decay: a person with a decayed tooth is also very susceptible to toothache in a plane. When pressured air hits the decayed part of the teeth, it can lead to severe pains.

Tooth sensitivity: if someone has sensitive teeth, they can expect to experience this problem because the cabin pressure can trigger the sensitivities.

How to deal with toothache in a plane

It is already established that this situation can be quite discomforting and frustrating. However, it’s not a helpless situation. Here are some things that can be done:

• Carry cotton balls or a clean gauze for the journey because the gums may begin to bleed.
• Carry some over-the-counter painkillers along for the journey to help reduce the pain during the flight.
• Look up the nearest dentist to the destination to schedule a visit once the plane lands.

The best way to deal with a toothache on a plane is by fixing any dental problems before booking a flight. Otherwise, any other treatment is reactionary.

How to prevent toothache in airplane

The good news about this condition is that it is preventable by knowing the right thing to do. Also, it is essential to remember toothache or pain during a flight is not something to worry about for someone with a healthy set of teeth. So, the best way to prevent this unfortunate condition is by taking adequate care of the teeth to keep them healthy at all times.

If someone has dental issues like cavities, chipped or broken tooth, a decayed tooth, etc., ensure to schedule a visit to the dentist and treat the issues before the flight. Also, adequate care for the dental health can contribute significantly to helping prevent the condition.

Here are some basic dental care tips:

• Brush the teeth regularly; at least two times every day (morning and night).
• Use toothpaste and mouth wash brands that contain fluoride.
• Do not forget to floss once every day.
• Avoid excessive intake of tobacco products and alcohol.
• Avoid excessive intake of starchy and sugary foods.
• Schedule regular visits to qualified and licensed dentists.

Conclusion

Most times, people experience toothache and other types of pain in their mouth during a flight because of various dental problems. When these issues are treated and healthy teeth are maintained, the chances of experiencing such pains will reduce. This article has discussed some essential things to know about experiencing a toothache in an airplane and how to deal with it.

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