Going to the Dentist With a Cold May Not Be the Best Idea
Nobody likes having a cold. We don’t feel in the mood for anything, especially not honoring our dental appointments. However, does that mean you should cancel an appointment with your Hickory Hills dentist? It depends.
First of all, canceling depends on what you’re going to the dentist for. There are a lot of differences between teeth whitening and oral or maxillofacial surgical procedures. So, while you may feel comfortable going to your local dentist, they may not. That means you need to make some calls and ask the dental practice if they’re okay with you coming in.
On the other hand, there are more situations to weigh out. What if it’s a case of a dental emergency, for example? That’s when things are different, and dental professionals will look at your situation differently.
So, let’s find out if you should go to the dentist with a cold or reschedule your appointment.
Think About Your Symptoms
A common cold isn’t always something that chains us to our beds. Sometimes, we might feel a little under the weather and be completely fine within a few days. However, those few days of feeling unwell can prevent us from going to our dentist appointments. Or can they? Well, it’s time to consider the symptoms.
Ask yourself how sick you are and whether you are contagious. Symptoms like a headache and feeling a bit weak don’t mean you’ll spread germs to the office staff and other patients.
On the other hand, having a migraine can be a whole different story. That’s because you need to sit through the dentist appointment, brave through all the possible buzzing and drilling that happens in your head. That can make you feel a lot worse.
If you think this is something you can easily handle, you should go to your appointment. Remember to tell the staff and doctors that you’re feeling a little under the weather, so they’ll know how to deal with the situation at hand.
If you’re having symptoms including nausea, congestion, a sore throat, etc., you might want to think about whether you should visit your dentist or not. Sometimes, canceling your appointment means you have to pay a fee, but you should always put your health and the health of other people first. If the reason for your dental visit can wait, it’s best to reschedule.
Your Appointment Can Reveal More Than You Think
It’s natural to want to cancel your appointment as soon as you start feeling sick. But should you do that? Going to your family dentist can reveal more than you think. What does that mean? Sometimes, your symptoms can resemble those of a common cold. But in reality, they can be connected to something else entirely.
So, going to your dentist can reveal that instead of a cold you have:
- Gingivitis
- An abscess
- A sinus infection
If you have a fever, runny nose, and congestion, you might be having gingivitis. Gingivitis is a periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. When you suffer from it, your gums will be red, swollen, or even bleed. Also, your teeth will start separating themselves from the gums, creating pockets that are perfect for breeding bacteria. Your dentist will be able to diagnose this problem and treat it.
Similarly, having an abscess can make you feel sick. Namely, it can cause throat inflammation and swelling. This infection is also successfully treatable at the dentist’s office, so it’s yet another reason why you shouldn’t reschedule if you’re feeling unwell.
Lastly, having a sinus infection can be an annoyance but also a result of an inflammation of the tissue above your teeth. That means the infection can actually be in your mouth. If you suspect having a sinus infection, let your dentist know beforehand and follow their instructions.
What If It’s an Emergency?
Emergencies are a whole different story. Rushing to the closest dentist when you’re sick can be the right idea depending on the kind of emergency you’re having. Of course, if you’re in severe pain, you shouldn’t wait if you’re feeling well enough to visit a dentist. On the other hand, if you have a chipped tooth but nothing else seems out of the ordinary, it can wait.
As always, it’s essential to assess your situation. Figure out how sick you really are because that will be the primary way of determining whether you should go or not. Even the best dentists will want to protect themselves, their practice, and their patients. So, it’s important not to be careless when making decisions.
Ultimately, the best thing you can do is call your dentist and let them know you’re having an emergency but that you’re also feeling unwell. They will inquire about your current state and tell you what the next steps are. If your dentist decides that you should stay home, you should do just that. They can also instruct you to take some medication that won’t interfere with whatever you’re having done, and you’ll be safe to come over.
So, What’s the Verdict?
Whether you should go to your dentist appointment while you have a cold depends on how unwell you’re feeling and what you’re going in for. In cases of medical emergencies, the situation will be different, and your dentist may even allow you to come even when they otherwise wouldn’t.
Whatever you end up doing, it’s not only important but imperative to maintain good oral health even when you’re under the weather. These are the times that make us feel like we don’t want to do anything, including brushing our teeth or flossing. But try your best to keep up with your routine, and talk to your dentist if you have any other questions.
