Should You Go to the Dentist with a Cold? (The Definitive Guide)
That scratchy feeling in your throat and a runny nose that just won’t stop—suddenly, your phone buzzes and reminds you of your dental appointment coming up. You’re sick, but do you really need to delay? Or should you go anyway since you’ve waited months? If you’re asking yourself, “Should I go to the dentist with a cold?”—you’re definitely not alone. It’s a common and reasonable thing to wonder about, and there’s more to it than just your teeth.
Let’s break down what’s really going on, why your choice is important for more than just your smile, how to handle this tricky situation, and how to move forward feeling sure of yourself.
What We’ll Cover (Quick Navigation)
In This Article:
- The Short Answer: When to Reschedule
- Why Rescheduling is the Safest & Smartest Choice
- Specific Symptoms That Warrant Cancellation
- When It Might Be Okay to Keep Your Dental Appointment
- What to Do Before Your Appointment if You’re Feeling Sick
- Protecting Yourself and Others at the Dentist
- FAQs: Colds and Dental Visits
- The Healthy Takeaway: Your Next Steps
The Short Answer: When to Reschedule
Let’s not make it complicated. If you’re feeling sick and have easy-to-see signs of a cold or another sickness—like a fever, bad cough, sneezing a lot, or body aches—it’s better to move your dental visit to another day.
Don’t feel bad. It’s not just about you. Dental offices see a lot of patients every day and want to keep everyone safe. You aren’t just being nice; you’re doing the right thing. The main rule? Always call your dental office as soon as you know you’re sick. They’ll like that you’re honest and will help you pick the best option.
Why Rescheduling is the Safest & Smartest Choice
You might think, “It’s just a little runny nose. No big deal, right?” But going to the dentist when you’re really sick does more than just make your teeth feel weird. Here’s why:
Spreading Germs
Dental offices are busy places. You don’t only see your dentist. There are helpers, people at the front desk, and other patients (sometimes with weak immune systems).
- Lots of Ways to Spread: Colds, the flu, and things like COVID-19 spread easily—when you cough, sneeze, or even talk. Lots of dental work makes tiny droplets that can move germs farther than you think.
- When You’re Still Contagious: Most sick bugs, even just the common cold, can spread a few days before you know you’re sick and stick around after. So if you’re coughing, you’re probably still spreading those germs.
Your Own Comfort & Safety
Let’s be real: Sitting in the dentist’s chair with a cold isn’t fun.
- Lying Down + Stuffy Nose = Uncomfortable: Dental work means lying back, sometimes for a long time. If your nose is blocked, your mouth gets dry and it’s not nice.
- Coughing or Sneezing: Imagine keeping your mouth open while trying not to cough. It’s hard, and kind of awkward.
- Sinus Problems Can Feel Like Tooth Pain: Did you know that a stuffy head can make your top teeth hurt? It can seem like a tooth problem when it’s really just your cold.
- Anesthesia Might Not Work as Well: Very rarely, swelling from a head cold can make the numbing shots work less. Usually it’s just your stuffy head making things feel worse.
Makes Dental Work Harder
- Stops and Starts: Every time you need a tissue or cough, the dentist has to stop. Your visit takes longer and everyone feels stressed.
- Hard to Sit Still: With a blocked nose or body aches, even a simple cleaning feels tough.
- Germs in the Air: Coughing or sneezing during your visit can break the “clean space” the dentist tries to keep for your mouth.
So overall, moving your appointment isn’t just kind—it’s needed.
Specific Symptoms That Mean You Should Cancel
It can be hard to know when to just stay home. Here’s when you should grab your phone and call your dentist:
Obvious, Contagious Symptoms
- Fever (over 100.4°F/38°C)
- Bad or non-stop cough
- Lots of sneezing or runny nose
- Chills or body aches
- Really sore throat
If you have these, you’re still spreading germs and are not well enough for your appointment—no matter what you were having done.
Symptoms That Make Dental Work Tough or Impossible
- Really blocked nose (so stuffy you can’t breathe)
- Super tired or just feel really bad
- Throwing up or having diarrhea (even if it’s not from a cold, you’re still sick)
- Sinus infection (headache, sore face, teeth hurt)
Not Sure? Call Your Dentist
If your symptoms are kind of “maybe” or you just don’t know if you’re well enough, give your dentist a ring. They’ll help you figure out what’s best for everyone.
When It Might Be Okay to Keep Your Dental Appointment
Sometimes things aren’t simple. You might only have small symptoms or maybe you really need dental help right away. Here’s how to decide:
Only Mild and Non-Spreading Symptoms
If you’re at the end of your cold—like just a small cough that won’t go away, but no fever—or you’re sure your sniffles are from allergies (hello, pollen!), you could probably still go.
Ask yourself:
- No fever?
- Not coughing or sneezing all the time?
- Can you breathe through your mouth just fine?
If “yes” to all, you’re probably ok to go. Still, tell your dental office first—they’ll be glad you warned them.
True Dental Emergencies
If your mouth hurts, you can’t eat or sleep, you’ve had a tooth knocked out, or you have big swelling and a fever—don’t wait. Call your dentist right away, explain everything, and follow their advice. They might put you in a private room or do more to keep everyone safe.
Tip: The more you tell your dentist, the better they can help you and others stay safe.
What to Do Before Your Appointment If You’re Feeling Sick
You woke up with a sore throat but you’ve got a dental visit soon. What should you do?
Step 1: Call Your Dentist As Soon As You Can
Don’t guess or panic. Offices are glad when you give them a heads up—even if it’s just before your visit.
- Be honest about how you feel.
- Ask about what their rules are for sick patients (a lot of places changed things after COVID-19).
- See if you can do a video call instead if you’re unsure.
Step 2: Listen to Their Advice
If they ask you to skip or take extra steps, trust them. Your dentist and staff know what works for their office and everyone’s safety.
Step 3: Set Up a New Appointment
Take out your planner. By rescheduling now, you avoid wasting time and feeling bad during your visit. Don’t wait—appointments fill up fast at busy offices.
If you need special work—like a dental crown—ask when you’ll be better and ready to come back.
Protecting Yourself and Others at the Dentist
If you’re fine or it’s an emergency, here’s how to keep everyone safe:
- Wash Your Hands Really Well: Before and after your visit, and use hand sanitizer too.
- Think About Wearing a Mask: If you have a little cough or have a weak immune system, a mask helps you and others.
- Tell Them If You’ve Traveled or Been Around Sick People: Let the front desk know.
- Talk to Staff: Even if it’s just the sniffles, telling staff means they can be careful.
Remember, dental offices clean really well, wear masks and gloves, and keep air moving in the rooms. Groups like the ADA and CDC say these steps work to keep dental clinics safe as possible.
FAQs: Colds and Dental Visits
Q: Can a cold mess with my dental treatment, like numbing shots?
A: Most of the time, the shots work fine. But if you have a really bad cold with swelling, sometimes they won’t work as well. Usually it’s your stuffy nose that makes the visit uncomfortable.
Q: Is it okay to get a cleaning with a blocked nose?
A: No. Cleanings mean your mouth is open a lot and you need to breathe through your nose. If you’re stuffed up, it’ll be hard and you’ll want to stop a lot.
Q: How long should I wait after a cold to go to the dentist?
A: Wait until you feel totally better for a day or two—no fever or cough. It helps others, and you’ll feel happier too.
Q: What if I have a dental emergency but I’m also sick?
A: Don’t wait! Call your dentist, tell the truth about your symptoms, and follow their advice. They might see you with extra care or give you tips until you’re better.
Q: Will cancelling late cost me money?
A: Lots of dental offices know sometimes people get sick—especially now. If you call as soon as you can, most will understand and won’t charge you.
Check out our extra guide on dental implants or learn about working with a great crown and bridge lab to fix your smile.
The Healthy Takeaway: Your Next Steps
To sum it up:
- Reschedule if you have a fever, big nose block, bad cough, or your whole body hurts.
- Call your dentist as soon as you feel sick—they’ll help you with next steps.
- Go to your visit only if your symptoms are light, can’t be caught, and won’t make your visit too hard.
- For emergencies, always call and share all your symptoms.
- Good communication means better health for all and makes your dentist like you even more.
Easy Ways to Keep Your Mouth Healthy At Home When You’re Sick
- Still brush your teeth gently, even if you’re in bed.
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water if your throat hurts.
- Get a new toothbrush after you’re well so you don’t get sick again.
- Use sugar-free mints or gum to help when your nose is blocked and your mouth is dry.
Clarity Over Complexity: Why Your Choices Matter
Deciding whether to visit the dentist when you’re sick is really about keeping you, your dentist, and everyone else healthy. You might feel bad for moving your appointment, especially if you’ve waited a long time for a spot at your favorite dental ceramics lab or need an implant. But health—yours and others—always comes first.
Thinking ahead means easier, safer visits in the future—and a big, happy smile.
Sources
- American Dental Association (ADA): “Patient Safety and Office Infection Control.”
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): “Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings.”
- World Health Organization (WHO): “Standard precautions in health care.”
- Tips from working dentists.
(For more on dental topics and working with a china dental lab, check out our other guides.)
Final Word
You have the right, and should, put your health and others’ health first. If you’re unsure, take a moment, pick up the phone, and talk to your dental office. They’ll help you choose what’s best—and your future self (and dentist) will thank you.
Stay healthy, be thoughtful, and keep smiling!
