Does altitude affect tooth pain?

Question

Last time I went on a trek to a high-altitude place, I noticed a strange increase in my tooth sensitivity. Does altitude affect tooth pain, or was it just a coincidence for me?

Saraswathi Amma · Accepted Answer

Yes, the change in air pressure during flights or in high mountains can make a small dental cavity hurt terribly. I once had a bad toothache on a hill trip, and keeping a clove pressed near the tooth gave temporary relief until I could find a dentist.

Amit Sen · Answer

I had a mild tooth sensitivity that suddenly turned into an unbearable throbbing pain during my flight to Leh. The local doctor told me it was due to barodontalgia, which is caused by altitude pressure changes. I had to get a root canal once I returned.

Ramesh Chandra · Answer

The pressure change in high altitude often causes pocketed air inside a damaged tooth to expand, causing severe pain. You can try rinsing with warm salt water to ease the gum irritation slightly, but please visit a dentist to get the cavity filled properly.

Neha Kapoor · Answer

I was just reading about this online because my cousin complained of tooth pain during a recent trek. Apparently, the atmospheric pressure drop creates a pressure difference inside the tooth. It is quite fascinating but sounds extremely painful!

Sanjay Bhatnagar · Answer

As if getting older wasn't enough, now even going up a hill station makes my teeth hurt! It is a real thing called barodontalgia, and it definitely spoils the holiday mood. Better get your dental checkup done before booking those mountain tickets.

Does altitude affect tooth pain?

5 answers

Consult a dental surgeon

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