Why Flying Can Make Your Teeth Hurt: The Surprising Truth Behind “Airplane Toothache”
You settle into your seat, buckle up, and prepare for take-off. Then suddenly — sharp pain shoots through one tooth. By the time the plane lands, it’s gone. Weird, right?
It’s more common than people think, and yes — flying really can trigger tooth pain.
At Hello Dental Colchester, we regularly see patients confused by sudden sensitivity or pain linked to air travel. The good news? Your teeth aren’t “reacting badly to altitude” for no reason. There’s usually an underlying issue hiding beneath the surface.
What Causes Tooth Pain When Flying?
The main culprit is changing air pressure.
As a plane climbs or descends, cabin pressure changes rapidly. Tiny pockets of air trapped inside a tooth, filling, crack, or infected area can expand or contract. That pressure pushes against nerves inside the tooth — and that’s when the pain hits.
Dentists even have a name for it: barodontalgia.
It’s particularly common in people who already have:
- Tooth decay
- Cracked teeth
- Leaking fillings
- Gum disease
- Dental infections
- Recent dental work
- Untreated cavities
In many cases, flying doesn’t cause the problem — it simply exposes one that was already there.
Why It Sometimes Feels Like a Sudden Stabbing Pain
Inside every tooth is a soft centre packed with nerves and blood vessels called the pulp.
If pressure changes affect a damaged tooth, those nerves can become irritated extremely quickly. Some people describe it as:
- A sharp electric shock
- A deep throbbing ache
- Sudden cold sensitivity
- Pressure that worsens during take-off or landing
And because cabin pressure changes happen fast, the discomfort can appear out of nowhere.
Can Sinus Problems Affect Teeth on Flights Too?
Absolutely.
Your upper back teeth sit very close to your sinus cavities. If you fly with congestion, allergies, or a sinus infection, pressure changes can create pain that feels exactly like toothache.
This is why many people experience upper tooth pain during flights when they have a cold.
Should You Worry About It?
If it happens once and disappears, it may not be urgent.
But recurring pain while flying is often a warning sign that something needs attention. Teeth rarely become sensitive without a reason.
A small cavity, hairline crack, or failing filling can stay hidden for months — until pressure changes reveal it.
Ignoring it could mean:
- A worsening infection
- More severe pain later
- A cracked tooth becoming unrepairable
- Needing emergency treatment abroad
Not ideal mid-holiday.
How to Prevent Tooth Pain Before Flying
Before travelling, it’s worth booking a dental check-up if you’ve noticed:
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- Pain when biting
- Lingering toothache
- Old fillings that feel loose
- Discomfort during previous flights
At Hello Dental, we can identify hidden problems before they become painful at 35,000 feet.
A few simple steps can make flying far more comfortable:
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid flying with untreated dental pain
- Use sensitive toothpaste if recommended
- Don’t ignore intermittent symptoms
- Get cracked or damaged teeth checked early
The Bottom Line
Tooth pain on a plane isn’t random — it’s usually your mouth trying to tell you something.
If flying triggers sensitivity, pressure, or sharp pain in certain teeth, it’s worth getting checked before the issue escalates.
Because the last thing anyone wants is a dental emergency on holiday.
If you’re experiencing unexplained tooth sensitivity or discomfort, book a consultation with us at Hello Dental and let’s make sure your next flight is pain-free. Find our more
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