Can you get a dental cleaning when you have a cold?

Sep 27, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ren Yi
Introduction
In general, it is not recommended to have your teeth cleaned while you have a cold. It's best to wait until you have fully recovered before scheduling the procedure. To minimize physical discomfort and the risk of complications, it is advisable to wait until the cold has completely resolved and all symptoms have disappeared before booking a dental cleaning. If you already have a teeth cleaning appointment but develop a cold unexpectedly, you should promptly contact the dental clinic to reschedule, and proceed with oral hygiene treatment only when you are feeling well again.

Generally, it is not recommended to have dental cleaning during a cold; it's best to wait until you have fully recovered. When you have a cold, your body's immune system is weakened, and dental cleaning may worsen discomfort or lead to complications. The detailed reasons are as follows:

Colds are usually caused by viral infections and commonly accompanied by symptoms such as nasal congestion, sore throat, and coughing. At this time, the body's immune system is actively fighting the infection, leaving overall resistance relatively low. During dental cleaning, the ultrasonic scaler produces a fine mist that may irritate the throat, exacerbating symptoms like coughing and sore throat. If nasal congestion forces you to breathe through your mouth during the procedure, it could also cause dizziness or fatigue.

In addition, gums may become more sensitive due to the body's inflammatory state during a cold, increasing the likelihood of bleeding during or after the cleaning procedure and slowing down recovery. If the cold is accompanied by fever, dental cleaning should be especially avoided to prevent potential infection spread or worsening of the illness due to physical weakness.

To minimize discomfort and the risk of complications, it is advisable to schedule dental cleaning only after the cold has completely resolved and all symptoms have disappeared. If you already have a cleaning appointment but develop a cold, promptly contact your dental clinic to reschedule, and proceed with oral hygiene treatment when your health has fully improved.

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