Can I Go to the Dentist With a Cold?

We’ve all been in that situation where you’ve finally booked that dental appointment you’ve been meaning to sort for ages… and then a cold hits. Suddenly, you’re sniffly, sneezy, and wondering whether turning up at the dentist is a good idea or a terrible one. 

So, can you go to the dentist with a cold? Well, the answer to that depends on what your symptoms are and how you’re feeling.

Unsure whether to cancel your dentist appointment if you have a cold?

Having a mild cold doesn’t automatically mean you need to cancel your appointment; a tickly throat, a light sniffle, or a slightly blocked nose will probably be just fine.

But, if you feel awful, are coughing non-stop, or can barely breathe through your nose, it might be best to reschedule your appointment to a time and date convenient for you. 

At Smile Stories, we’re here to look after you, not make you feel worse, so if you’re unwell, we’d much rather see you when you’re comfortable, relaxed, and not battling an illness.

When it’s usually fine to still attend your dental appointment

Having dental treatment is still safe for you and your dentist if:

• You’ve just got a mild runny nose
• You’re dealing with light sniffles
• You feel generally well and can breathe through your nose
• You’re not coughing constantly
• You’re able to lie back in the chair without feeling uncomfortable

Plus, let’s be honest, colds often hang around forever, so if we all cancelled every time we had a sniffle, none of us would ever get our teeth checked.

When you should consider rescheduling your dentist appointment if you feel unwell

There are times when keeping your appointment isn’t the best idea, so you should definitely think about rearranging if you have:

• A heavy cough
• Blocked sinuses that make lying back uncomfortable
• A fever
• A sore throat that hurts to open your mouth
• Lots of sneezing
• General flu-like symptoms
• Difficulty breathing

It’s really important that you reschedule your appointment if you’re not feeling very well because…

1. You won’t be comfortable

Dental appointments involve leaning back, opening wide, and breathing calmly through your nose, so if you’re blocked up or coughing, the whole thing becomes quite difficult for you.

2. Treatment may not be possible

If you can’t keep your mouth still, breathe comfortably, or avoid coughing, your dentist won’t be able to carry out treatment safely, especially anything involving drills, water spray, or precise movements.

3. You risk sharing your cold

Nobody wants to spread germs – not the dentist, not the dental nurses, and definitely not the people sitting in the waiting room either!

4. Your immune system is already busy

Recovering from a cold takes energy and dental treatment can take a bit out of you too. Sometimes it’s best to rest and feel better first.

Should you cancel a dental cleaning if you’re sick?

This question comes up a lot. Dental hygiene visits include water spray, polishing, and sitting back comfortably for a good chunk of time. So, if your cold is mild, you’re probably okay to attend, but if your cold is more on the dramatic side, it’s probably best to reschedule. A blocked nose and a dental cleaning are not really a match made in heaven.

What should I do in a dental emergency? 

If you’ve got a dental emergency (which could be severe pain, swelling, a broken tooth, or signs of infection), then you should call your dentist even if you’re unwell.

Here at Smile Stories, we’ll help you decide whether:

• You should still come in
• You need medication first
• You can be seen safely with precautions
• Or it’s better to delay until you’re feeling stronger

Will your dentist be annoyed if you cancel?

Of course not! We’ve all been there, and your dentist would much rather you rest up than try to power through and end up coughing your way through the appointment.

Just try to give as much notice as possible so we can offer the slot to someone else who needs it.

At Smile Stories, we’re a no-guilt zone. If you’re ill, you’re ill, simple as that.

What if you’re not sure whether to cancel your appointment or not?

If you’re feeling a bit rubbish, but you’re not sure if it’s bad enough to cancel your appointment, just give your dental practice a quick call.

Tell us:

• Your symptoms
• How long you’ve had them
• Whether you can breathe through your nose
• What treatment you’re booked in for

We’ll give honest advice and help you decide what’s best.

Can you go to the dentist with a cold?

In short, if you’ve got a mild cold, yes, usually it is absolutely fine to attend your dental appointment. If you’ve got a bad cold or flu, then it’s best to reschedule. If you have a dental emergency, please call us and we’ll be happy to help you.

Your comfort matters, your health matters, and your dentist really doesn’t want you suffering through an appointment when you should be resting up and getting better. So, if you’re ever unsure, just reach out, we’re here to help keep your smile (and you!) happy, healthy, and thriving.