Can You Go to the Dentist While Sick? What You Need to Know Before Your Appointment

Table of Contents

• Risk of Spreading Germs
• How Sickness Impacts Patient Comfort
• Less Effective and Riskier Dental Treatment

• Cold, Flu, and Respiratory Symptoms
• Stomach Bugs and Gastrointestinal Illness
• Highly Contagious Infections
• General Unwellness: When in Doubt

• Calling the Dentist’s Office
• Understanding Office Guidance and Policies
• Preparing Yourself to Reschedule

• Recognizing a True Dental Emergency
• How Dental Offices Treat Sick Patients in Emergencies

• Infection Control Protocols in Action
• Screening and Preventative Steps

My First Hand Experience: The Dilemma of Going to the Dentist While Sick

I’ll never forget the morning I woke up with a sore throat and a mild headache—the day I was supposed to get my teeth cleaned. I looked at my calendar, felt guilty, and wondered: “Should I still go?” Maybe you’ve felt that too. Sometimes you don’t want to cancel because you had to wait so long for the appointment. Or you think you might let the office down. But I found out that coming in sick can make bigger problems for others, and for me too.

Honestly, I used to think, “It’s just a little cold, I’ll deal with it.” But my dentist explained how dental offices are small rooms where germs can pass around fast, because the work means getting close. What felt like a small cold for me could get someone else really sick. In this article, I’ll explain why staying home when you’re feeling bad isn’t just being nice—it’s the safest thing for everyone.

Why Going to the Dentist While Sick is Risky

If you don’t feel well, you might want to ignore it and keep your appointment. After all, dentist visits can be hard to book. But trust me, going when you’re sick can be a big mistake.

Risk of Spreading Germs

The tools at the dentist do more than clean and fix your teeth. They send out lots of tiny water drops in the air, called aerosols. These little drops can have any cold or flu germs you’re carrying. So if you have a cough or runny nose, those germs can move all around—to surfaces, the dentist, other people in the waiting area, or the tools.

One time, I got strep throat just before a checkup. I called the office, feeling bad, but the receptionist thanked me. She explained how dental offices have strict cleaning rules, but nothing is perfect. It’s best if you don’t bring your germs at all.

For a healthy person, getting sick might just mean a few days of being tired. But for older people or anyone with health problems, it could be much worse. You don’t want to cause that.

How Sickness Impacts Patient Comfort

I’ve tried to sit through a cleaning with a cold. It was awful. My nose was blocked, throat sore, and I kept coughing. Lying back in the chair made it tough to breathe. The hygienist was patient, but I knew she was worried.

Lying flat with a stuffed nose is rough. If you have chills or fever, the lights and noises feel even worse. Plus, when your body is busy fighting a bug, it can’t heal as fast after dental work. Your mouth might not recover as quickly, and side effects might feel worse.

Less Effective and Riskier Dental Treatment

Here’s something else my dentist told me: trying to sit through dental work while feeling tired, sick, or feverish just leads to a bad time. You may keep coughing, moving, or need a lot of breaks. This can slow things down and make it hard for your dentist.

If you feel too weak or can’t listen well, even holding your mouth open can be tough. I’ve heard stories about people almost fainting in the chair because they were too weak or dehydrated from being sick.

On top of that, some medicines used for dental pain or numbing might mix badly with cold or flu drugs you’re taking. That can make things more complicated and risky. It’s just not worth it.

When You Absolutely Should Reschedule

I used to try to talk myself into keeping my appointment: “I’m not THAT sick. It’s just sniffles.” But there are some signs you really shouldn’t ignore. Here’s when you need to pick up the phone:

Cold, Flu, and Respiratory Symptoms

Got a fever? You shouldn’t even go near the dentist’s office. The same goes for a bad cough, lots of sneezing, a sore throat, stuffy nose, chills, very tired feeling, or aching all over. My dentist puts it like this: if you’d call in sick to work or keep your kid home from school, you should also cancel your dentist visit.

It matters because these problems are contagious, especially early on. ADA and CDC say you should wait at least 24 hours after your fever goes away (without using fever medicine) before coming back.

Stomach Bugs and Gastrointestinal Illness

Trying to sit for a filling while your stomach is upset is a bad idea. If you feel sick to your stomach, are throwing up, or have diarrhea, the dentist’s chair isn’t where you should be. You might need to run to the bathroom, and you really don’t want that stress.

Also, when you’re sick to your stomach or have the runs, you can get very weak and lose water from your body, making the visit even harder.

Highly Contagious Infections

Certain sicknesses are a big red flag. For example:

• COVID-19: If you have symptoms, tested positive, or were just around someone with COVID, stay home. Most dental offices are strict about this and may want you to test negative before you come back.
• Strep throat and Pink Eye: Both spread really easily. Even if you start antibiotics, most dentists want you to be without a fever and feeling okay for at least 24 hours before coming in.
• Cold sores: I get these sometimes. If I have one, I cancel. The viruses can spread to other parts of your mouth or even to the staff and their tools.

General Unwellness: When in Doubt

Sometimes you just feel bad and aren’t really sure why. In this case, my best tip is to play it safe and stay home. Dental work can wait, but making yourself or others sick isn’t worth it.

What to Do If You’re Sick Before Your Dental Appointment

I used to worry the dentist’s office would be annoyed if I called in sick. But after a chat with them, I saw it differently. Here’s how to handle it:

Calling the Dentist’s Office

Don’t wait until right before your visit. As soon as you’re feeling sick or think you might be about to pass something on, call the office. Every time I’ve done this, the staff have thanked me for letting them know early.

Tell them exactly what symptoms you have: fever, coughing, chills, upset stomach, whatever it is. Be honest and don’t hide facts.

Understanding Office Guidance and Policies

Dental offices are used to this kind of thing. Most have set rules about sick patients—like when to reschedule and what counts as a last-minute change. Most of the time, they won’t charge you if you’re sick, especially after recent years.

Some offices might offer video calls if you have a question about a dental problem that can’t wait. That way, you can get advice at home.

Preparing Yourself to Reschedule

It’s easy to think, “I’ll never get another spot.” But dental teams really don’t want you or their staff to get sick. Rescheduling makes space for someone who is healthy. Plus, when you’re well, you can handle the appointment much easier.

If you worry about missing out on care, ask what you can do at home to keep your teeth healthy until you can come in.

Are There Any Exceptions? Handling Dental Emergencies While Sick

Here’s a tough situation. What if you have the flu, but you also break a tooth or have really bad dental pain or swelling? I’ve been through dental emergencies before, and I know they can’t wait.

Recognizing a True Dental Emergency

Sometimes, you’ll need to see a dentist even if you are sick. This includes:

• Really bad toothache that won’t leave you alone
• Face swelling (can mean a big infection)
• Uncontrollable bleeding
• Hurt tooth or jaw from an accident

Once, I got a serious dental infection right after catching a cold. My cheeks swelled up. Waiting could have made it much worse. In these cases, don’t delay. Some emergencies can even be life-threatening.

How Dental Offices Treat Sick Patients in Emergencies

If you call with a dental emergency and say you’re sick, your dentist will be extra careful. The clinic might put you in a separate room, and staff will use heavy protective gear—like lots of layers, gloves, tight masks, and face covers. They’ll keep your visit short and safe.

Some places might first talk to you by video—so you don’t go in unless it’s really needed. If you must come, they’ll go over what you need to do for everyone’s safety.

How Dental Offices Safeguard Patient and Staff Health

Things really changed at the dentist after COVID-19. Cleaning and safety was always major, but now it’s even more important. Here’s what I’ve noticed:

Infection Control Protocols in Action

Dental teams wipe down everything—chairs, counters, tools, even door knobs—after every patient. Many offices now use really good air filters to help catch any bits floating in the air. Staff change gloves and masks between every visit and sometimes wear big face shields.

All tools get cleaned in strong machines that use heat and pressure, and things get covered with one-time-use wraps. It’s a careful dance to keep everyone safe.

Screening and Preventative Steps

You might have seen new check-in routines: filling out health forms, having your temperature checked, or answering questions about symptoms. If you say you have a fever or cough, the office will usually reschedule you right away.

I always like when the clinic is clear about these steps. It makes me feel like they care about keeping everyone safe.

Why Rescheduling Your Appointment is the Healthiest Choice

I used to feel bad about canceling a dental appointment just because I was sick. But every time I put off my visit, I realized a few key things:

Focus on Recovery

When I give myself permission to rest, I get better faster—and my teeth don’t really suffer in the short term. Let your body use its energy to heal. Waiting one or two weeks is better than trying to push through when you’re tired.

Better Dental Experience for Everyone

When I’m healthy, I can sit still, listen, and talk clearly. The dentist can do a better job, and we’re all less stressed.

Protecting Your Community

Think about it: one sick visit can spread germs to other patients or staff, and that could affect bigger groups—like the elderly or people with health problems. Rescheduling helps stop a chain reaction no one wants.

Final Thoughts: Prioritizing Health and Keeping Communication Open

Looking back, I wish I had known earlier that health should come first. Dentist visits are important, and keeping your mouth healthy matters. Still, it’s OK to wait and get better first.

When not sure, call your dentist. Every time I’ve been open and told the truth, things have gone smoother, and my relationship with the dental team got better.

And for anyone working with dental labs—whether that means a china dental lab, a digital dental lab, or labs focusing on fixing teeth—the advice is the same: stay safe and always talk openly, so everyone gets the best care possible.

Trust me. Your teeth—and your dentist—will still be there when you feel better and can return for your appointment.

If you’re not sure what to do about a dental emergency, need tips on keeping your mouth healthy at home, or want to get up to speed on new materials, check out info from your local dentist or find specialists through trusted labs like crown and bridge lab. Good habits start with knowing facts and talking honestly with your dental team.

Stay healthy, be honest, and don’t be afraid to call if you’re not well—your dentist (and everyone else) will be glad you did.