Summer is finally here! With summer comes the time to travel and take a break from work or school. But dental problems don’t take the same breaks. Sometimes, when packing for a trip, we discover that we have a toothache or a tooth infection. Tooth infections are just one of several common dental issues that can arise unexpectedly and complicate travel plans. So, what should you do?
Tooth infections can be painful and require prompt dental care. It is possible to travel while you have a tooth infection. However, traveling with a tooth infection carries risks. Because tooth infections can be serious, you should travel with caution. Tooth pain during flights is known as barodontalgia, and it can be exacerbated by changes in cabin pressure.
Understanding Tooth Infections
Tooth infections occur when bacteria invade the inner layer of the tooth–the pulp. They can result from untreated tooth decay or cracks in the teeth. Even gum disease can cause a tooth infection. Oral surgery can also sometimes lead to tooth infections if not properly managed. Tooth infections can cause severe pain, swelling, and general discomfort.
If left without treatment, they can lead to serious complications. This can include spreading the infection to other parts of the body. Also, tooth infections can become dangerous due to their location. Being close to the brain makes infections more dangerous and necessitates treatment. An untreated tooth abscess may cause severe complications, including systemic infection and difficulty in breathing or swallowing. The symptoms of a tooth infection can be affected by environmental changes, such as travel or altitude.
Evaluating Your Tooth Infection
Before deciding to travel, it is essential to determine if your infection is a dental issue that requires evaluation by a dentist before your trip. Mild tooth infections may cause some unease. However, you may be able to manage pain with common pain relievers. Conversely, more severe infections often need immediate dental treatment. For example, a dentist may recommend a root canal to remove the infection. If the infection worsens, you may need a complete tooth extraction.
Patients should always consult with their dentist to determine the best course of action based on their specific situation.
Seeking Professional Advice
You should consult your dentist before traveling if you have a tooth infection, as dentists are the professionals best equipped to assess and treat dental health issues that could be affected by cabin pressure changes during flights. Before you leave, please contact your dentist and inform them of your situation. They will consider the severity of the infection and provide you with potential treatment options, such as root canals—a common procedure dentists may recommend to address infections before travel and help prevent in-flight dental pain like barodontalgia. Your dentist might prescribe antibiotics to control the infection. On the other hand, they may suggest an emergency dental appointment before your trip.
Risks of Traveling with a Tooth Infection
Traveling with a tooth infection poses certain risks that you must consider.
Increased Discomfort: Tooth infections can cause significant pain and discomfort. Dental pain and toothache are common symptoms that can worsen during long journeys, especially due to changes in air pressure. This can make your travel experience highly unpleasant. Avoiding temperature extremes and sticking to lukewarm foods can help prevent triggering pain in sensitive teeth.
Complications: Untreated tooth infections can lead to complications. In fact, the infection can spread to nearby tissues, sinuses, or even the bloodstream. A cracked tooth is another dental emergency that can arise unexpectedly and may require urgent care while traveling. Traveling like this may make the infection worse. Also, travel can delay proper treatment, which can risk your overall health.
Limited Access to Dental Care: While traveling, finding a reliable dentist can be hard. This is especially difficult if you are in a remote location or abroad. Language barriers and unfamiliar dental systems can further confuse the situation.
High-Altitude Travel Considerations
Traveling to high altitudes, whether by plane, mountain climbing, or scuba diving, can present unique challenges for your dental health. Changes in cabin pressure and atmospheric pressure don’t just affect your ears; they can also impact your teeth, sinuses, and any recent dental work. When air pressure shifts, air trapped inside teeth, fillings, or even under crowns can expand or contract, sometimes leading to sharp pain, sensitive teeth, or even severe pain. This is especially true if you have untreated tooth decay, gum disease, or a dental abscess.
To prevent discomfort during your journey, it’s important to address any dental issues before you travel. Scheduling regular dental care, including check-ups and cleanings, can help catch problems like tooth decay or gum disease early, before they become a risk at high altitudes. If you have sensitive teeth, your dentist may recommend desensitizing toothpaste or other treatments to help manage pain during pressure changes.
Staying hydrated is another crucial factor in maintaining dental health while traveling. The dry air inside airplane cabins can worsen dental problems and cause dry mouth, so make sure to drink plenty of water. Chewing sugar-free gum can also help equalize pressure in your ears and teeth, thereby reducing the risk of discomfort from air trapped in your mouth or sinuses.
If you’ve recently had dental work—such as a root canal, filling, or other restorations—be sure to follow your dentist’s instructions closely. This might include avoiding certain foods, using ice packs to reduce swelling, or taking medication to manage pain. These steps can help prevent complications and ensure your comfort during your trip.
Should you experience a dental emergency at high altitude, such as excessive bleeding, persistent pain, or signs of infection, seek professional care as soon as possible. These symptoms can indicate serious issues that require immediate attention, and delaying treatment can increase your risk of complications.
By understanding how cabin pressure affects your teeth and taking steps to prevent discomfort, you can significantly enhance your travel experience. Whether you’re flying, hiking, or exploring underwater, prioritizing your dental health will help ensure your trip is safe, comfortable, and free from tooth pain or other dental issues. With a little preparation and awareness, you can enjoy your adventure without worrying about dental emergencies.
The Best Course of Action
While it is probably best to delay travel plans, each situation is unique. If you must travel, there are a few things you can do.
After booking your trip, make sure to drink water regularly and stay hydrated during your journey to help prevent dry mouth and reduce the risk of dental pain. Carry a clean container in case of a dental emergency, such as a knocked-out tooth, so that you can store the tooth or broken piece safely. Preserving any lost pieces of a tooth in milk or saline solution increases the chances of saving it. If you have a temporary filling, be cautious, as changes in air pressure during flights can affect the integrity of the filling. Travelers with dental implants or recent cosmetic dentistry should consult their dentist about any special precautions to take before flying.
Before you leave, make an appointment with your dentist. They can tell you whether it is safe to travel. Also, they can provide treatment to manage the infection.
As always, you should keep healthy oral hygiene habits. This can help prevent your infection from worsening. A good oral hygiene routine reduces the number of harmful bacteria. Additionally, rinsing your mouth with warm salt water can help decrease bacteria and soothe inflammation during a dental emergency.
When an aircraft ascends, changes in cabin air pressure and external pressure can cause air pockets inside teeth to expand or contract, particularly compared to ground level pressure or sea level. These external pressure changes can lead to discomfort or pain, particularly if you have existing dental issues. If you have concerns about flying with a tooth infection, consult your dentist before your trip.