Can You Go to the Dentist with Strep Throat? (The Definitive Guide)

When you’re feeling sick—even a little bit—you may think, “Can I still go to the dentist?” If your sore throat turns out to be strep throat, it gets serious. Strep throat isn’t just a regular sore throat—it spreads easily and can make you feel really bad. There are rules and safety reasons which might mean you should change your plans. In this article, I’ll talk about what you should do, why it matters, and how to keep yourself (and others) from getting sick. By the end, you’ll know when it’s okay to see the dentist and what steps to take if you’re not feeling good.

Table of Contents

Why Should I Not Go to the Dentist with Strep Throat?

Let’s just say it: It’s best to move your dental appointment if you find out you have strep throat.

Why? Easy. Strep throat comes from a Group A Streptococcus germ. This kind of germ spreads fast, especially where people are sitting close together—like the dentist’s office.

Picture sitting in the dental chair, maybe coughing or sneezing, and touching things with germy hands. Not only do you feel awful, but you can also spread the sickness to your dentist, hygienist, helpers, and other people around. Even though dental offices work hard to keep things clean, it’s not perfect—germs can still get through.

Dental treatments sometimes make sprays (called aerosols) from your mouth. If you are sick, these tiny sprays make it easy for your germs to get into the room and possibly find new people to infect. Dentists wear masks and gloves, but germs can still sneak by.

Big groups like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), American Dental Association (ADA), and World Health Organization (WHO) all say it’s best to stay away from the dentist until you’re not able to spread the sickness to others.

Is Strep Throat Really That Bad?

For sure. Everyone has had a sore throat, but strep throat is much stronger and rougher.

Common Symptoms

• Really sore throat
• Hurt when you swallow
• Fever (sometimes gets high)
• Big tonsils—sometimes with white stuff on them
• Headache
• Aches all over
• Sometimes upset stomach or a rash

Your body works super hard to fight strep. That means your immune system is already busy.

If you push yourself to go to the dentist, you could feel even worse—and it might take longer to get better.

If you don’t treat strep throat, it can cause bigger problems, like rheumatic fever, kidney trouble (glomerulonephritis), or even a bad throat swelling (peritonsillar abscess). You need rest and medicine, not poking and prodding in your mouth.

How Does Strep Throat Spread at the Dental Office?

Strep throat mostly spreads through drops from your mouth or nose.

When you cough, sneeze, or talk, those drops come out and might land on people or things.

Dental work means your mouth is open while tools go in. Water sprays, things spin, and tiny bits go flying. That gives your germs a ride through the air. The dental chair, the tools, and even the waiting area might end up with these germs.

People who feel sick might rub their nose or mouth and then touch pens, doors, or magazines.

It’s super easy for someone else to touch those things and get sick, too.

Dentists do a lot to keep their office clean—washing hands, wearing face masks, wiping down chairs. But if people come in sick, it can still spread.

Can Going to the Dentist Make Me Feel Worse?

Yes, it really can. With strep throat, doing anything tiring—like a dentist visit—can make you feel even more worn out and sore.

One time, I tried going for a regular checkup while I was sick. Just lying back with a sore throat was impossible.

Opening my mouth and trying not to cough was awful. I just wanted to leave!

Here’s why the dentist is extra tough when you have strep:

• It hurts more: Keeping your mouth open makes your throat pain sharper.
• Fever and aches: If you have a fever, you might get sweaty, weak, or dizzy.
• More germs: When your body is busy fighting, you can even pick up new germs at the office.
• Hard to listen: Dentists need you to stay still and pay attention, which is hard when you feel lousy.

Most dental work—like cleanings or fillings—can wait unless it’s a real emergency.

What If My Dental Appointment Is Really Important?

Sometimes you wonder, “But I’ve waited a long time for this dentist visit. Isn’t it bad to miss it?” That’s fair, and maybe you need something special that can’t wait.

Regular care—like getting your teeth cleaned or a routine check—should be scheduled again when you’re healthy.

But if it’s a true dental emergency (like really bad pain, big swelling, an accident to your teeth, or bleeding), you may need help right away.

Here’s what to do:

Your dentist will help you decide what to do. Most times, emergencies can still be handled safely, but always call before you show up.

What Should I Do If I Already Have an Appointment?

If you notice you’re sick or test positive for strep, don’t worry. You’re making the right move by checking what to do.

Things to Do

• Call your dentist as soon as you can. Give them a heads-up so they can change your spot or let staff know.
• Be clear. Tell them, “I have strep throat and my doctor gave me medicine for it.” They’ll let you know if you should cancel or reschedule.
• Ask about their rules. Many places have special ways to handle sick patients. They may even skip their normal fees for being late or last minute. It’s better for everyone to stay safe.

Sometimes, the office might want a doctor’s note or ask you to wait a few days after starting your antibiotics.

When Is It Safe for Me to Return?

Here’s the question everyone wants answered: “When can I finally go back?”

The main rule is called the 24-48 Hour Rule. If you started medicine for strep throat (penicillin, amoxicillin, or azithromycin) and have been without a fever for at least 24-48 hours, you’re usually not passing germs to anyone else.

But you should also:

• Finish your full antibiotics. Don’t stop early. This keeps the germs from coming back.
• Make sure you feel all better, or almost. No more fever, sore throat, or body aches.
• Ask your doctor and dentist. Everyone heals differently, so it’s good to check.

Sometimes, dentist offices want a doctor’s note before you come back.

> Tip: If you still have a cough or sore throat, give it more time at home before returning.

What Could Happen If I Ignore Strep Throat?

Ignoring strep is a big risk. Here’s why.

If you don’t treat strep right, it can turn into big problems:

• Rheumatic fever: Can hurt your heart, joints, and even your brain.
• Kidney trouble: (Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis) sounds scary because it is.
• Peritonsillar abscess: A really painful swelling at the back of your throat that takes a lot of care to fix.
• You could spread strep to your family, dentist, and friends—making more people sick.

Starting antibiotics as soon as the doctor tells you will help you get better fast and also protect others.

Tips for Stopping the Spread of Strep

Nobody wants to be “the person” who got everyone in the dentist’s office sick!

Here are easy ways to keep your germs to yourself:

Dentist offices take germs seriously, following the ADA, CDC, and WHO rules. Staying home when ill really works.

For more about keeping your teeth safe, check out digital dental lab info.

FAQs about Strep Throat and the Dentist

Q: Can strep throat hurt my teeth or gums?

A: Strep throat itself usually doesn’t mess up your teeth or gums. But if you stop brushing because you feel rotten, you could get more cavities or gum swelling. Try to keep brushing, even when sick.

Q: Do I need to show my doctor’s note to move my appointment?

A: It’s different in every dentist’s office. Some want a note, some just take your word for it. Always ask when you call.

Q: What if I find out I had strep after a dental visit?

A: If you find out you had strep right after a dental appointment, call your dentist. Tell them so they can keep the office safe for others.

Q: Should I tell my dentist if I’m using antibiotics for strep?

A: Yes! Let your dentist know all the medicine you’re taking—just in case new medicine could mix badly with it.

For even more questions, check out info from a good crown and bridge lab.

Table: Key Facts about Strep Throat and Dental Visits

Key Points to Remember

• Strep throat spreads easily. Don’t go to the dentist until you can’t spread it anymore.
• Most dentist visits can wait unless it’s a big emergency.
• Call your dentist as soon as you’re sick, so they can help move your visit and keep staff healthy.
• Wait 24-48 hours after you start antibiotics and your fever is gone before seeing the dentist again.
• Don’t ignore strep—see your doctor, rest, take all your medicine as told.
• Good habits—washing hands, covering coughs, and staying home when sick—keep everyone safe.
• Keep in touch with your dentist, doctor, and removable denture lab for help, especially if you need extra care for dental devices while sick.

When you do the right thing, you protect yourself, your dentist, and everyone around you.

Take it easy, get better soon, and you’ll be back at the dentist—smiling and ready to keep your teeth in shape!