Emergencies
Toothache on a plane: why it happens and what it means
Why some teeth hurt during take-off and landing, what it can signal, and how to prevent it on your flight home.
By Dr. Kang Jun-guMedically reviewed by Dr. Kang Jun-guPublished Updated 3 min read
Quick answer
Tooth pain during flights (barodontalgia) happens when pressure changes affect a tooth that already has a problem, such as a deep cavity, a leaking filling, inflammation in the nerve or sinus congestion. The pain usually fades after landing, but it's a sign to have the tooth checked.
Common causes
- Deep decay or a cracked tooth
- An old filling with a gap underneath
- Recent dental work that's still settling
- Sinus congestion pressing on upper back teeth
On the flight
- Take your usual painkiller before take-off if a tooth is already sensitive
- Avoid very cold drinks
- Use a decongestant spray if you have a cold, as directed
- Chew gum on the other side during descent
After you land
If the pain returns on the ground, or a specific tooth hurts to bite, have it checked. In Seoul, a check-up with an X-ray can usually find the cause in one visit.
Questions people also ask
Is it safe to fly after a filling?
Yes. Most fillings don't cause problems in flight. If you've just had a root canal started, ask the dentist about timing.
Can a cold cause tooth pain on a plane?
Yes. Blocked sinuses can make upper back teeth ache during descent, even when the teeth are healthy.
Need this looked at in Seoul?
Check-ups, scaling and whitening, with fees shown before we start.
Dr. Kang is a board-certified Integrated Dentistry specialist trained at Yonsei, Harvard and Columbia. He treats every patient at the Gongdeok clinic himself.
About Dr. KangHow we write these guides: each guide is written from questions our patients ask, reviewed by Dr. Kang, and updated when guidance changes. It is general information, not a diagnosis. For advice about your own teeth, please book a check-up.
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