The impact of barometric pressure changes on oral health in light aircraft pilots: literature review

Introduction:Flights in light aircraft without pressurized cabins expose the human body to rapid changes in atmospheric pressure, which may negatively affect dental health. Due to its structure and gas content, the oral cavity is particularly susceptible to hypobaric conditions occurring at high altitudes. Materials and Methods:This study is based on a review of the literature available in the PubMed, Google Scholar, Medline, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases. Scientific publications from 1996 to 2024 concerning barodontalgia and dental materials subjected to pressure changes were included. Results:Barodontalgia may pose a significant risk to pilots and passengers of small aircraft. Changes in atmospheric pressure can lead to tooth, sinus, ear, and facial pain, as well as micro-damage to fillings and prosthetic restorations. Additionally, the presence of undetected inflammatory foci increases the risk of pain symptoms. Conclusions:Flights in non-pressurized cabin conditions can adversely affect the oral cavity and surrounding structures. Regular dental check-ups are recommended for individuals exposed to barodontalgia, as well as avoiding flights shortly after dental treatment and using durable materials resistant to pressure changes.