Prevalencia y descripción de sintomatología asociada a la aparición de barodontalgia en poblaciones expuestas a cambios de presión atmosférica durante el transporte aéreo

Abstract

Barodontalgia, a type of dental pain induced by changes in atmospheric pressure, has been most frequently reported among aircrew members and frequent flyers, representing not only a clinical issue but also an operational risk factor in flight contexts. Despite its relevance, the scientific literature presents inconsistent data regarding its prevalence and clinical characteristics. This systematic review aimed to describe the relationship between exposure to hypobaric pressures and the occurrence of barodontalgia, considering its frequency, symptoms, and distribution by sex and age. Scientific databases such as Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were consulted, including studies published between 2013 and 2024, with clearly defined inclusion and exclusion criteria, evaluated using the JBI checklist. Eight cross-sectional studies were selected, reporting prevalence rates ranging from 10.54% to 54.5%, with the highest rates observed in military pilots. Although most participants were male, relative prevalence was higher among females. The most common symptoms included sharp or dry pain during descent, headaches, and difficulty concentrating. These findings highlight the need for further research focused on the civilian population, as well as preventive oral health strategies targeted at individuals regularly exposed to pressure changes. Barodontalgia remains an underexplored condition, yet one of significant clinical and operational importance.