We all know how important it is to stay on top of dental appointments. They’re essential for keeping your smile healthy. But what happens if you wake up on the day of your visit feeling under the weather? Should you still go to the dentist if you’ve got a cold?
Trying to breathe through a stuffy nose while in the dentist’s chair its difficult. On the other hand, rescheduling might mean waiting quite a while before you can get another spot, depending on your dentist’s availability.
A cold is one of the most common conditions that can affect anyone. That’s why your Canyon Country Dentist has a few simple guidelines to help you decide whether to keep or reschedule your appointment. Knowing what to do ahead of time can take the stress out of making that call when you’re not feeling your best.
Understanding the Risks
Sometimes, illness sneaks up on you. One minute you’re fine, and the next you’re reaching for tissues and tea. Whether it’s from work, school, or just being out and about, it’s easy to catch a bug without realizing it until the symptoms start to show. While getting sick is often out of your control, doing your part to avoid spreading it to others is something you can control.
Of course, if you’ve got a dental appointment coming up, this puts you in a bit of a bind. You don’t want to miss it; especially knowing how important regular dental visits are for your oral health. But at the same time, showing up sick might not be the best idea either.
Weighing the risks of going to your dental appointment with a cold can help you make a smart decision that’s good for both your health and the people around you.
Potential Risks of Going to the Dentist with a Cold
- Increased discomfort during your appointment
- Difficulty breathing while lying back with your mouth open
- Higher chance of spreading your cold to staff and other patients
- Germ exposure in common areas like the waiting room
- Cold symptoms might feel worse due to dental visit anxiety
Should you keep your appointment?
It really depends on your symptoms, how contagious you might be, and your own comfort level.
Take a Moment to Check Your Symptoms
- Mild symptoms? If you’ve just got a runny nose or mild congestion and no fever, you may be okay to go ahead. Just remember, it might not be the most comfortable experience, especially with nasal congestion.
- Feeling worse? If you’ve got a fever, body aches, lots of coughing, or sneezing, it’s better to reschedule. Give yourself time to recover and avoid passing the virus to others.
Consider How Contagious You Are
Colds are usually most contagious in the early days. So even if your symptoms aren’t too bad, there’s still a chance of spreading it to your dentist, their team, or other patients in the office.
Check In With Your Canyon Country Dentist
Every practice has its guidelines for dealing with sick patients. Give your dentist a quick call, let them know how you’re feeling, and they’ll help you decide whether to come in or move your appointment to a later date.
Think About Your Comfort
Dental visits already require you to sit back and breathe through your nose, which can be difficult if you’re congested. If you’re feeling miserable, it might not be worth the discomfort especially if your appointment isn’t an urgent one.
So, What’s the Best Call?
If your symptoms are mild and you’re up for it, you might be okay to keep your appointment but when in doubt, talk to your Canyon Country Dentist. They’ll be happy to help you figure out what’s best, both for you and for the health of everyone in the office.
If You Decide to Keep Your Appointment
Still feel well enough to go? Great! Just take a few precautions to help prevent the spread of germs:
- Avoid touching shared surfaces whenever possible
- Let the front desk and your dental team know you’re not feeling 100%
- Cough or sneeze into a tissue and toss it immediately
- Use hand sanitizer after touching your face or blowing your nose
When Is It Safe to Come In?
Generally, by the fourth or fifth day of your cold, you’re less contagious and starting to feel better. As long as your symptoms are easing up and you’re taking care to prevent spreading germs, it’s likely safe to attend your appointment.
Oral Health Tips While You’re Sick
When you’re under the weather, rest is key but don’t forget your smile needs a little TLC too. A sore throat and stuffy nose can make brushing feel like a chore, but keeping up with your oral hygiene during a cold is really important.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking water helps your body heal and rinses bacteria from your mouth.
- Avoid sugary lozenges: They might soothe your throat, but they also feed cavity-causing bacteria.
- Replace your toothbrush: Once you’re feeling better, grab a new toothbrush to avoid reintroducing germs.
Still Not Feeling Up to It? That’s Okay!
If your symptoms are making you feel too uncomfortable or if you’re still in those early, highly contagious days, it’s perfectly okay to reschedule. Just give your dentist a quick call to let them know. Most clinics are more than happy to find a new time for you when you’re back to feeling like yourself again.
Dental Visits and Colds FAQs
Can I still go to the dentist if I have a cold?
You can, but it depends on how you’re feeling and whether you’re contagious. If you’re unsure what to do, it’s always a good idea to call your dentist ahead of time. They’ll let you know whether it’s better to keep your appointment or reschedule.
Should I tell my dentist I have a cold?
Absolutely. Give your Dentist a quick call before your appointment to let them know how you’re feeling. Many dental practices have guidelines or policies for patients who are sick, and your heads-up will be appreciated.
Can I still go to the dentist with a sore throat?
Yes, especially if it’s just a mild sore throat. But if you suspect something more contagious like strep throat, it’s best to stay home and recover. This helps keep your dental team and other patients safe.
Will I be charged a fee if I cancel due to illness?
That depends on your dentist’s cancellation policy. However, if you’re sick and potentially contagious, many offices are understanding, especially if you let them know early. The sooner you call, the more likely they’ll be able to waive any cancellation fee.
What if I have a dental emergency but also have a cold?
In that case, don’t wait. Dental emergencies can’t be ignored. Give your dentist a call right away. They’ll walk you through what to do, and if needed, may prescribe medication to help manage pain or infection while you recover from your cold.
What if I need to cough or sneeze during my appointment?
If you’re feeling congested, let your dentist or hygienist know before your appointment begins. You can also agree on a quick hand signal if you feel a sneeze or cough coming on, so they can pause the procedure and keep everyone comfortable and safe.
Your Comfort and Health Are Our Priority
Canyon Country Dental Care is here to support your health, both oral and overall. If you’re unsure whether to keep your appointment or need to reschedule, just give us a call. We’re happy to discuss your situation and find the best solution for you.
