Should You Go To The Dentist With A Sore Throat? [Your Dentist’s Advice]

When you wake up with a sore throat, your first thought might not be about your teeth—or maybe it is, if you have a dentist appointment set up. This guide covers what you need to know about going to the dentist with a sore throat. We’ll sort out when you should cancel, when it’s okay to keep your appointment, and how to keep yourself (plus your dental team) safe and healthy. You’ll read advice right from dental experts and real experience in the chair. Let’s make sure you’re comfortable, you stay well, and you know just what to do next.

Table of Contents

1. The Short Answer: Should You Go To The Dentist With A Sore Throat?

Let’s get to the point. Should you go to the dentist with a sore throat? The answer is… it depends! Sometimes, you should call and pick a new day. Other times, a small sore throat might not mean you have to skip your visit, if that’s your only symptom and you have double-checked with your dentist.

I learned this lesson one winter. I woke up with a scratchy throat before my cleaning. My nose was a little stuffy too. Should I go? The dental office told me to stay home, rest, and come in when I felt better. My sore throat could have spread germs, and I wouldn’t be comfy lying back with my mouth open.

So, here’s the short answer: Take your signs seriously, think about everyone’s health, and—when you’re not sure—call your dental team to ask what to do.

2. How Bad Is Your Sore Throat? (And Why It Matters)

Not every sore throat is the same. A little dryness from sleeping with your mouth open isn’t the same as the pain from strep throat or the flu. Let’s see the difference:

Mild Sore Throat:

• Maybe your room was dry last night.
• You don’t have a fever.
• No runny nose, no cough.
• You feel normal and have energy.

Bad Sore Throat:

• It’s hard to swallow.
• You have a fever.
• You feel very tired or achy.
• You have a cough, stuffy nose, or thick drainage.
• Could be strep, flu, or even COVID-19.

Why does this matter? Mild symptoms from allergies or dryness usually aren’t catchy, but worse problems, like fever or coughing, often are. If you aren’t sure what kind you have, play it safe. No one wants extra germs in the office, especially people with weak immune systems.

3. Is Your Sore Throat Catchy?

Germs like to travel in places like a dental office. Most sore throats are caused by viruses (like a cold or flu). Some are caused by bacteria (like strep throat).

You’re more likely to pass it on if:

• Your sore throat came suddenly.
• You have a fever.
• You’re coughing, sneezing, or have a runny nose.
• You feel tired or have sore muscles.

If your sore throat is an infection, stay away from the dentist’s office to keep the staff and other patients safe.

Not all sore throats are catchy though. If you just have a little post-nasal drip from allergies or dry air and there are no other symptoms, it’s a lot less risky. But—don’t decide alone! Call and talk things over with the office staff. Tell them your symptoms honestly.

4. Can Dental Work Make You Feel Worse?

Ever tried lying back with a sore throat? It isn’t fun! Here’s what I and many other patients notice:

• When you’re sick, lying back can make it hard to breathe or swallow.
• You might cough or gag more in the dentist’s chair.
• Dental tools and the suction tube might make your throat feel worse.
• The numbing shots and rinses could make you even more uncomfortable or dry.

It’s about your comfort! Plus, when you’re sick, you might not be the easiest patient when it comes to things like fillings, crowns, or even just getting X-rays.

Your body is already battling an illness. The stress from a dental visit might make it harder to heal. Even dentists, like Dr. Joe Dental, say “Your health comes before a cleaning or filling.”

5. Risk of Spreading Germs At The Dentist

Dental offices take infection control seriously. But the way dental care works can make germs spread easier, especially when someone is sick.

• Tools that make sprays or mists (like the scaler for cleanings or the fast drill) send teeny drops all around—they can carry viruses or germs.
• The team works close to your face—there’s no way around it.
• You touch surfaces in the waiting room and exam room, too.

That’s why dental places follow rules from the CDC and American Dental Association: masks, gloves, eye protection, lots of cleaning, and even air filters.

But no system is perfect. The safest thing? Don’t bring your germs with you when you’re sick.

6. Emergencies vs. Regular Care: Do Things Change?

Some tooth problems have to be fixed fast. Others can wait.

Dental Emergencies:

• Bad pain, swelling, broken teeth, or bleeding that won’t stop.
• If you have a real emergency—call fast and tell them about your sore throat.
• The dental crew will wear extra gear, maybe put you in a single room, and keep contact short.

Regular Care:

• Cleanings, check-ups, braces adjustments, or chosen cosmetic stuff.
• These almost always can be put off. Waiting a week or two is fine for your health.

Let them know the whole story. They’re used to helping people get the best help.

7. What To Do If You Wake Up Sick Before Your Dental Appointment

Here’s what to do if you feel sick before your visit:

• Tell them about your symptoms: sore throat, fever, cough, runny nose—everything.
• Ask if you should pick a new day to come in.

• Most places won’t charge a fee if you cancel because you’re sick, especially if you call early.

• If you feel super tired, weak, or keep coughing, let them know.
• They want to help you—not judge you.

As a bonus tip, if your dentist uses a digital dental lab for planning, you might be able to have a virtual dental visit. Sometimes, you can get advice about simple issues over phone or video.

8. What If You Can’t Reschedule? (Tips For Tough Times)

Maybe you need to get your teeth fixed before a trip or you’re in pain. Maybe it’ll be months before you can get in again because the schedule is packed, or money is tight.

Here’s what to do:

• Talk about your needs. If it really hurts, the dentist might fit you in—but ask you to wear a mask and keep space.
• Take care of emergencies first. Tooth pain, swelling, or injury comes first.
• Ask about phone or video check-ups. See if you can get advice without coming in.

If you do have to go in, use hand gel a lot, wear a mask in the waiting room, and tell the team right away you have a sore throat. Sometimes, the office uses a china dental lab for crowns or other fixes, which can make things faster if you can’t wait.

9. How Dental Offices Protect You (And Others) From Germs

Dental offices keep patients safe with things like:

• Masks, gloves, and other gear for staff
• Cleaning all tools after each person uses them
• Wiping down chairs, counters, and rooms a lot
• Air filters and better airflow in many places
• Washing hands before and after every patient

Dental labs, like a dental ceramics lab or an implant lab, also have strong cleaning rules.

10. How Your Choices Affect The Dental Office

One sick person can affect a bunch of others. If you come in with something like strep, COVID-19, or the flu:

• You might spread germs to the staff, other patients, or anyone waiting—some may be old, expecting a baby, or have weak bodies.
• The workers might have to stay home if they get sick, making care hard for many other patients.
• The office might close to clean up, which messes up lots of people’s plans.

Doing the right thing—staying away when you’re sick—helps everyone. It’s about caring for each other.

11. Conclusion: When In Doubt—Call Your Dentist!

In the end, your dentist and the team want the best for everyone. Dentists like Dr. Joe Dental say if you aren’t sure, don’t guess—call the office, share how you feel, and ask what to do. They’ve seen it all and will guide you.

Putting off a cleaning for a couple weeks is safe, but showing up sick can cause just too many problems. Emergencies don’t wait—but call first so things can be done in a safe way.

If you want more info about being a dental patient, have a look at this patient dental guide.

12. Main Points: What To Remember

• If you have a light sore throat from allergies or dryness, and no other symptoms, you might still go to your dental appointment—but always check first.
• Bad throat pain, fever, body aches, coughing, or signs of infection? Cancel and pick a new day. Your dentist and other patients will be glad.
• Real dental emergencies come first, even if you’re sick—but tell the crew, follow safety steps, and wear a mask.
• Dental offices use the best infection control they can. Still, your help counts a lot.
• When unsure, call your dentist. They like you to call instead of bringing a sickness.

Most Important Things To Remember

• Don’t ignore your symptoms—think about what’s causing your sore throat and if it’s bad or not.
• If you might pass it on, or have a fever, stay home and pick a new day.
• Always be open and honest with your dentist’s team.
• For emergencies, care can’t wait, but safety comes first.
• You help keep everyone healthy at the dental office.
• Delaying regular care when you’re sick is the right thing.
• For more, read this practical guide about visiting the dentist.

References:

• American Dental Association: Taking care of patients with sickness
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: How to keep germs away in dental offices
• Dr. Joe Dental, DDS, Dental Practice Tips Interview

Stay well, take care of your throat, and don’t be shy to call if you have questions. Your smile and your health matter!