You’ve got a dental appointment coming up, but you’re also battling a cold. Now you’re stuck with a tough choice: should you go to the dentist with a cold, or should you reschedule?
It’s a common worry for many patients, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Let’s dig into this topic to help you make the best call for your health — and the well-being of others.
Should You Go to the Dentist with a Cold?
The short answer? It depends. When deciding whether to keep your appointment, ask yourself two key questions:
1. “How sick am I?”
2. “Am I contagious?”
If you’re dealing with mild symptoms — a slight runny nose or occasional cough — you might be okay to keep your appointment. But if you’re facing severe symptoms like a high fever, persistent cough, or body aches, it’s best to reschedule.
Can I go to the dentist with a cold? Well of course you can, but it’s not always a good idea. If you’re not sure about your contagiousness, play it safe. Remember — you could be contagious for up to a week after your symptoms first show up.
Is Going to The Dentist Sick a Good Idea?
Going to the dentist sick isn’t the best choice. Here’s why:
1. Comfort: Dental procedures like root canals can be uncomfortable when you’re healthy. Throw a stuffy nose or sore throat into the mix, and it can make things even more difficult.
2. Effectiveness: Some dental treatments might not work as well if you’re congested or can’t breathe properly through your nose.
3. Spreading germs: Dental offices are health care spaces. By going to the dentist with a cold, you risk passing your illness to staff and other patients.
4. Weakened immune system: If you’re sick, your body’s already fighting an infection. Dental procedures could potentially introduce more bacteria which puts more pressure on your immune system.
How to Cancel a Dentist Appointment
If you decide that canceling is your best bet, here’s how to do it right:
1. Call ASAP: The earlier you let the office know, the easier it is for them to reschedule and maybe fill your slot.
2. Explain what’s up: Tell them you’re sick and worried about spreading your illness.
3. Don’t panic: One of the biggest fears of patients is that they’ll be charged or penalized for canceling an appointment. We will work to accommodate you as much as possible.
4. Reschedule right away: This makes sure you don’t forget to make a new appointment once you’re feeling better.
Final Thoughts
Keeping up with your dental health is crucial — but so is being considerate of others and taking care of yourself when you’re under the weather. If you’re on the fence about going to the dentist sick, it’s usually better to reschedule if you’re feeling rough.
Should I cancel the dentist if I’m sick? In most cases — yes. It’s better to push your appointment back a week or two than to risk spreading your illness or messing up your dental treatment.
By making smart choices about your appointments when you’re ill, you’re helping create a healthier environment for everyone.
If you’re thinking about going to the dentist with a cold, take a moment to check your symptoms and think about how it might affect others. You’d be surprised to find that you’re making the right choice, not the wrong one.