The holiday season is quickly approaching, and that means Thanksgiving dinners, time off from work, and quite possibly flying around the country to visit your friends and family. Just because the holidays are here, however, doesn’t mean that the needs for dental care will come to an end. Cavities still need to be filled, and check-ups still need to be performed. This brings us to today’s myth busting session.
There is an idea out there that flying in an airplane after recently getting fillings means big trouble for your mouth. The thought is that the high altitude mixed with your recent dental work could result in incredible pain. Is this actually the case? Let’s look at the facts.
Fact No. 1: You Could Absolutely Feel Pain, Especially in Certain Cases
It is indeed a myth that if you recently had a filling that you will absolutely experience excruciating pain for the duration of your trip, but sometimes this pain might be inevitable. If your dental work was done near a nerve or your teeth are just generally sensitive, then you might feel some dull pain, whether you are on a plane or not.
If you do feel this pain, simply take a light painkiller before the flight and you should be as right as rain.
Fact No. 2: Air Between Your Teeth Could Result in Increased Pain
If you haven’t already guessed, it is usually the changes in altitude that are the main culprit, and if you have air between your teeth, it could result in some pain, notes The Huffington Post. There are a couple of reasons why you might have some air between your teeth. Decay in your teeth could create tiny openings, or recent filings could also have caused air to become trapped. When the altitude changes, the air has nowhere to go, and possible pain develops.
Fact No. 3: There Are Ways to Help Quell This Pain
Although some of this pain may be inevitable, there are a few things you could do to try to keep the pain at a minimum. Sucking on a sugar-free candy or chewing sugar-free gum can help to get your sinuses working, so you are better equipped for the changes in altitude, suggests the American Student Dental Association in a recent blog.
Of course, if you can help it, you can also be proactive and not get dental work done directly before a long flight. Try getting any needed fillings done at least two weeks before a trip to have the best chance of avoiding these situations.
If you are in need of any dental work, visit the professionals at Genesee Dental. We handle everything from simple fillings to complex cosmetic dentistry. We have many happy customers and are always welcoming new patients. So don’t delay, schedule an appointment online now or call us today at 585-343-1113.