Should I Visit My Dentist With a Sore Throat?

We've answered your why's and when's about dentist appointments, but there are a few questions we haven't addressed yet. For example, can you go to the dentist if you have a cold or sore throat? We're here to help with your questions and put your mind at ease before your appointment at Midlothian Dental Center.

Should I go to the dentist with a cold, sore throat, or cough? 

In most cases, you shouldn't let a cold deter you from visiting the dentist. As your dentist, we are not typically concerned about the symptoms of a common cold.

When you have a cold that results in a fever or a cold sore, that is when you are most likely to spread it. The start of a cold is the time when spreading it is most likely to occur as well. Before your appointment, check how you feel and call us to discuss the best course of action for you. It's always a good idea to confirm whether you should attend on that day or reschedule your schedule.

Remember to keep up with your dental hygiene, even when you're feeling under the weather. To care for your teeth while recovering, drink water, brush often, and avoid sugary cough drops and sports drinks.

Should I go to the dentist for wisdom tooth pain? 

What is that pain in the back of your mouth? Could it be another molar? Indeed, it can!

Wisdom teeth are a third set of molars that usually come in between the ages of 17-25. For some lucky people, the arrival of their wisdom teeth causes no major issues. They come into place and line up perfectly with the existing teeth.

For others, it is important to keep an eye on these molars as they start to emerge. When there is not enough space for the new teeth to grow, they can become stuck and cause tooth decay. They can also grow in a way that harms other teeth. Many dentists remove wisdom teeth early on as a precaution since they can lead to later damage. 

It is important to consult your dentist and monitor wisdom teeth as they come in, especially if you are experiencing pain. Wisdom teeth can also impact your sinuses, so it's crucial to visit your dentist for monitoring. 

Should I go to the dentist for TMJ? 

First off, let’s define TMJ. The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is what connects your jaw to your skull.

A TMJ disorder, or TMD, is when you are having pain in that joint. Grinding your teeth, an injury, or even arthritis could cause this pain. Symptoms for TMJ disorders include pain near your ear, the locking up of the jaw, or difficulty when chewing. 

TMD can just be temporary. It could be a result of stress or a jaw injury. If the pain is persistent or you are having trouble opening/closing your jaw, it’s time to see the dentist..

We are here to help devise a plan to treat your symptoms. Treatment can include cold compresses, pain relievers, jaw exercises or mouth guards. During a routine cleaning, we check your jaw bone and bite. If you have any pain or concerns, please let us know.

Hopefully we have saved you time on your next search. We know that visits to the dentist can cause new questions to arise. Remember, there are no “off-limits” questions - we’re here to help you in any way you need!