Prevalence of barodontalgia in Brazilian aviation pilots and flight attendants

Abstract

Introduction: Barodontalgia is an unusual toothache associated with a change in atmospheric pressure. Many cases of barodontalgia occur in teeth that already have some clinical alteration: deep caries lesions, previous restorative treatment, pulp necrosis, pulpitis, inflammatory periapical lesions, and failed dental restoration. The occurrence of barodontalgia is more common in climbers, divers, and aviation professionals. The objective of this research was to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of barodontalgia in Brazilian pilots, copilots, and flight attendants. Material and Methods: An electronic questionnaire with ten questions about barodontalgia was applied to a group of aviation professionals. Results: One hundred and forty captains, 23 copilots, and 95 flight attendants (174 men and 84 women) answered the questionnaire. The prevalence of barodontalgia in this sample was 21.7%. There was a low correlation between barodontalgia and age (CI = −0.233) and length of service in the profession (CI = −0.272). Barodontalgia was more frequent during the cruise (57.1%) and landing phases (25%). Mandibular molars were the teeth most affected by barodontalgia (48.2%). Most aviation professionals who manifested barodontalgia used to visit the dentist more than once a year. Conclusion: The prevalence of barodontalgia in Brazilian crew members was high and mainly affects male flight attendants.