Should You Go to the Dentist with a Cold?
You can’t always stop when you have a cold; some days, you can’t even really slow down. Many people choose to power through their colds, no matter how bad they feel. But should they be going to the dentist when they have a cold, even if they feel up to it?
Should You Always Keep Your Dentist Appointment?
If someone is only feeling a little bit sick, then they know whether or not they have the stamina to sit through a dental appointment. They may be able to keep all of their regular appointments and keep up with their work responsibilities, even when they’re feeling ill.
That said, you shouldn’t always push yourself to be productive. Not only can this make recovery more difficult, but it can also jeopardize the health of others around you. if someone is coughing or sneezing a lot, they may want to reschedule their dentist appointment. It would also be beneficial to reschedule the appointment if running a fever, which may indicate an individual is contagious.
That said, the chances of a cold spreading to someone else at the dentists office are fairly slim. Because of the various hygiene and sanitation standards already in place, people and instruments are thoroughly cleaned from patient to patient. This means your germs won’t carry to others, but you still want to be mindful about keeping your sickness to yourself whenever you have a cold.
What About Emergency Dental Care?
Everyone has a busy schedule and various responsibilities to juggle. You can’t stop everything because you have a cold. After all, today’s world is pretty fast-paced. But it’s still best to reschedule your dental appointment even when you’re just a little bit sick. It’s good manners to avoid other people entirely while you’re feeling under the weather — and that includes rescheduling a visit to the dentist or anywhere else. Even if someone is positive that they are no longer contagious, others may not know this to be true. This can make other patients uncomfortable, which isn’t a pleasant experience for anyone.
But what if you’re having a true emergency? If you have a regular family dentist, call the office and ask about stopgap measures you can take to relieve pain or help yourself get through a day or two until you’re well enough to make it to the dentist for real treatment. At least one in five Americans has one or more untreated cavities, and every once in a while these may create a real dental emergency. It’s a good idea to call your dentist to advise whether it’s best to come in for treatment, despite your illness, or whether your situation can be addressed during regular business hours.
Proper Dental Treatment
If you’re feeling ill, you might not feel like keeping up with your personal hygiene. But you should still take care of your teeth when you’re sick. Continue to brush, floss, and use mouthwash to keep your mouth clean, and drink plenty of fluids to avoid dry mouth. Good oral care will help you feel better when you’re sick and help you avoid future problems that result from not taking good care of your mouth.
When you’re sick, it’s always best to stay home. You may not be able to skip out on work or certain responsibilities, but you can certainly reschedule a dentist appointment for a different week. Unless you’re experiencing severe tooth pain, you can delay your appointment a few extra days. And if you are in significant pain, call ahead to tell your dentist about the discomfort. It’s likely they’ll be able to make recommendations you can rely on, particularly if you’re too sick to come into the office.
Whenever possible, you should avoid going to the dentist when you’re sick. Instead, schedule your appointment for a time when you’re feeling healthy and have the time to devote to proper oral care.