Should I cancel a cleaning if I have a cold?
Catching a cold before your cleaning? Learn when to reschedule, how to protect your dentist and hygienist, and what to expect when you return.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Jose, DDS — October 15, 2026
Should You Reschedule Your Cleaning?
If you have a cold and an upcoming dental cleaning, the best first step is to call your dentist’s office and tell them. Don’t just show up. Here’s why, and what to expect.
Why Your Office Wants to Know
Your dentist and hygienist work inches from your face during a cleaning. A cold virus spreads through respiratory droplets, so your cough, sneeze, or congestion puts them at risk. Many dental offices ask patients to reschedule if they have active cold symptoms—not to punish you, but to protect their staff and other patients.
Most offices have policies for this. When you call, be honest about your symptoms. They may ask you to come back in a few days or a week, depending on how you’re doing and their schedule.
What Counts as “Too Sick”?
You don’t need to wait until your cold is completely gone. But if you’re coughing frequently, have a fever, or feel too unwell to sit in a dental chair comfortably, rescheduling is the right call. A good rule: if you wouldn’t go to work or school, don’t go to your cleaning.
If your symptoms are mild (a slight sniffle, no cough), ask your office. Some practices may still want you to reschedule; others might let you proceed if you’re not actively sneezing or coughing. Let them decide.
Keeping Your Regular Cleaning Schedule
Canceling one appointment won’t undo your oral health. But regular cleanings are important for preventing plaque and tartar buildup. If you’re not sure how often you should see your dentist, ask your provider or visit [learn how often to see a dentist] for guidance based on your individual risk.
Once you’re well, call back promptly to rebook. Most offices understand illness happens and will fit you back in.
Tips for Calling Your Office
- Call early. Don’t wait until the morning of your appointment. Give them time to adjust the schedule.
- Be straightforward. Say you have cold symptoms and want to reschedule to keep the team safe.
- Ask for options. “When would work for me next week?” is better than waiting for them to offer dates.
- Make the new appointment before you leave. Don’t plan to call back later—lock it in now.
When You Return
After your cold clears, you can go to your cleaning as normal. Let your hygienist know you were recently sick—not because they need to do anything different, but for context if you ask about any tooth sensitivity or mouth changes that happened while you were under the weather.
How MediMouth Helps
If you’re a MediMouth patient and need to reschedule a cleaning, your provider can help you find an opening that works for you. Use your patient portal or call your office’s front desk. If you don’t have a regular dentist yet and want to establish care—so you have a trusted provider for cleanings and checkups—our network directory can help you find a practice near you.
Frequently asked questions
Will I infect my dentist or hygienist if I go in with a cold?
Your dentist and hygienist work in close proximity, so yes, there's a risk of transmission. Calling ahead lets them decide whether to reschedule based on their own health and protocols. They manage this regularly and appreciate the courtesy.
Is it okay to skip a cleaning and catch up later?
One missed cleaning won't harm your teeth long-term. However, regular cleanings are part of keeping your mouth healthy. Once you're well, reschedule as soon as you can to stay on track.
What if my appointment is far away and I feel okay otherwise?
Even if you feel manageable, a cold makes you contagious and makes the hygienist's job harder (coughing, congestion, tissues). Call your office and explain. They may prefer you to reschedule, and that's normal.