If you feel sick with watery eyes, a runny nose, cough, or sore throat before your dental visit, don’t cancel your visit with the dentist. As a rule of thumb, you should never cancel your visit at Smiles of Memorial in Houston, Texas, even if sick, unless you have a good reason. That’s because your oral health is very important and at your visit, our dentist, Dr. Viet Tran, can help you improve your oral and overall health. Yes, you can go to the dentist if you are sick. However, if you are throwing-up, have a fever, or if you are contagious, you should not visit the dentist.
Is My Cold Related to My Oral Health?
Some symptoms when you are sick could be related to your oral health. If you feel well enough to sit through a dental visit and you are not contagious, then you should visit the dentist. Your visit with the dentist may reveal why you are sick. Here are a few common symptoms you may have while sick that are actually related to your oral health.
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Gingivitis or Periodontal Disease:
If you have red, swollen, or bleeding gums you may have gum disease. This causes the teeth to move away from your gums causing a pocket between your teeth and your gums. In this pocket, bacteria can collect and enter into your bloodstream. This can make you feel sick and have a fever, congestion, runny nose, and chills. Although bleeding or sore gums may not feel serious at first, if it develops into periodontal disease, it can be irreversible. If this happens, you will need to visit Dr. Viet Tran at Smiles of Memorial in Houston, Texas for frequent cleanings to prevent it from worsening. If you have the symptoms while sick, you should visit the dentist.
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Abscess:
Simply, an abscess is a fluid filled pocket in your mouth that is infected. Similar to gum disease, this infection can make you feel sick. Additionally, an abscess can cause swelling in your throat which can make it hard to breath. If you think you may have an abscess, call Dr. Viet Tran at Smiles of Memorial in Houston, Texas, today!
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Sinus Infections:
Did you know your sinus infection may actually be a caused by infected tissue above your teeth? Yes, your runny nose and fever that makes you feel sick could actually be an infection in your mouth. If you feel pressure above your upper teeth or have trouble breathing because of inflamed oral tissue, you should call your dentist, Dr. Viet Tran at Smiles of Memorial in Houston, Texas.
What Should I Do If I Go To The Dentist When I am Sick?
If you feel well enough to sit through a dental visit and you are not contagious, you may want to take a few precautions during your visit at Smiles of Memorial in Houston, Texas. First, remember to call Smiles of Memorial and tell them how you feel. Being sick at the dentist is not always fun, but Smiles and memorial can make you comfortable. Also, Smiles of Memorial may give you specific instructions before your visit if you are sick. They may also adjust your treatment. Some dental procedures can clog your nostrils making it hard to breath. The most important point is communication when sick at the dentist!
It is never fun to be sick, but it is important that you care for your cold as well as your oral health. Your dentist, Dr. Viet Tran, will help you while sick. If you are well enough to go to the dentist and you are not contagious, you shouldn’t cancel your dental visit! Yes, you can go to the dentist while sick. For more information or to plan your next visit with Dr. Viet Tran at Smiles of Memorial in Houston, Texas, today!