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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Numbness In Gums And Cheek At Elevated Heights?

i had a flight today and 2 days ago, during both flights when the plane reached the highest altitude i began to feel my front left tooth numbness as well as my gums and some discomfort in the left cheek. when the plane landed all returned to normal. I felt the numbness as if i went to the dentist and received an injection. i fly relatively often and never had this before. i had a cold 1-2 weeks ago but am fine now. any ideas?
Fri, 4 Dec 2015
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Dentist,  's  Response
Hi..
Welcome to HEALTHCARE MAGIC..

I have gone through your query and can understand your concerns..

As per your complain feeling of numbness in gums,teeth and discomfort in cheek seems to be due to difference in atmospheric pressure at high altitude and the land as well as there is reduced oxygen concentration at high altitudes..
Less oxygen in air can lead to less oxygen supply to the tissues as there will be reduced oxygen concentration in blood and it is a potent cause of numbness at high altitude..
As the pressure changes effect the hollow spaces of the body therefore discomfort in cheek can be due to congested sinuses at high altitudes as well as there can be inflammation in mucosal lining leading to discomfort..
As you already have a recent history of cold so there is a possibility that there might be some infection present in sinuses that might flare uo at high altitude leading to discomfort and pain..
Nothing to worry as it is temporary phenomena and will resolve once you reach the land..
To reduce the symptoms in flight you can chew chewing gum, take painkillers if there is pain and also do some exercises like moving the jaw side to side..

Hope this information helps..

Thanks and regards.
Dr.Honey Nandwani Arora.
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What Causes Numbness In Gums And Cheek At Elevated Heights?

Hi.. Welcome to HEALTHCARE MAGIC.. I have gone through your query and can understand your concerns.. As per your complain feeling of numbness in gums,teeth and discomfort in cheek seems to be due to difference in atmospheric pressure at high altitude and the land as well as there is reduced oxygen concentration at high altitudes.. Less oxygen in air can lead to less oxygen supply to the tissues as there will be reduced oxygen concentration in blood and it is a potent cause of numbness at high altitude.. As the pressure changes effect the hollow spaces of the body therefore discomfort in cheek can be due to congested sinuses at high altitudes as well as there can be inflammation in mucosal lining leading to discomfort.. As you already have a recent history of cold so there is a possibility that there might be some infection present in sinuses that might flare uo at high altitude leading to discomfort and pain.. Nothing to worry as it is temporary phenomena and will resolve once you reach the land.. To reduce the symptoms in flight you can chew chewing gum, take painkillers if there is pain and also do some exercises like moving the jaw side to side.. Hope this information helps.. Thanks and regards. Dr.Honey Nandwani Arora.