Can I Go to the Dentist With a Cold Sore?

Cold sores are extremely common and affect many people throughout their lives. We often get asked if someone can still come for their dental appointment if they have a cold sore.

Simple answer: yes, if the sore has crusted over and you feel comfortable to attend.

Cold sores can be uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing but they're very common and we see them all the time. Aside from being uncomfortable for you, the main problem with cold sores occur when they're in the active blistering phase when they are most contageous.

If your appointment is for a Dental Health Review and you feel comfortable to come and see us, then we're happy to see you. We always use masks, gloves and other PPE for your dental appointments and so the risk of tramission is always low, the main priority for us is making sure your comfortable and safe.

Why Are Cold Sores a Problem for Dental Appointments?

Having treatment performed near an active cold sore can be uncomfortable and may make symptoms worse. Also having dental treatment often involves stretching the lips and cheeks, which can cause the cold sore to crack, bleed, and take longer to heal if the area becomes damaged or irritated cold sores may be more susceptible to bacterial infection, potentially prolonging recovery and risking secondary infection.

Cold sores can also be highly contagious, particularly when blisters are present. Direct contact with the affected area can spread the infection to other parts of your body and if you're having dental treatment such as a filling or an appointment with a hygienist, the virus particles that cause cold sores can become aerosolised (turned into spray) which can potentially spread the virus to other parts of your body such as your eye or even to the dental team providing your care.

What Causes Cold Sores? 

Cold sores are caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1). Once a person has been infected with the virus, it remains dormant within the body and can reactivate at various times.

Common triggers for cold sores include:

• Stress and fatigue

• Illness, such as a cold or flu

• Exposure to sunlight

• Hormonal changes

• A weakened immune system

• Trauma or irritation to the lips and mouth

Cold sores usually begin with a tingling, itching, or burning sensation before developing into small fluid-filled blisters around the lips, mouth, or nose. These blisters eventually burst, crust over, and heal.

If you can detect a cold sore in the very early stages, often you can prevent it reaching the more uncomfortable blistering stage.

What Should I Do If I Have a Cold Sore and a Dental Appointment?

If you have a cold sore, please let our team know before attending your appointment.

You can still attend your routine Dental Health Review in most cases. However, appointments involving treatment or dental hygiene procedures may need to be postponed until the cold sore has completely healed.

This is because dental treatment can potentially worsen the cold sore, delay healing, and increase the risk of spreading the virus, particularly if you need treatment such as a filling.

Can I Still Attend My Hygiene Appointment With a Cold Sore?

We do recommend postponing hygiene appointments if you have an active cold sore.

During a hygiene appointment, instruments are used around the lips and mouth, which can:

• Cause discomfort and irritation

• Increase the risk of the cold sore spreading

• Delay healing

• Increase the possibility of cross-contamination

For your comfort and safety, it is usually best to reschedule your hygiene visit until the cold sore has fully healed.

How Long Do I Have to Wait Before Attending?

You should wait until:

• The cold sore has completely crusted over and healed

• There are no open sores, blisters, or weeping lesions

• The area is comfortable and no longer tender

For most people, this takes approximately 7–14 days, although healing times can vary.

If you are unsure whether your cold sore has healed sufficiently, please contact the practice and our team will be happy to advise you.

Can Anything Help a Cold Sore Heal Faster?

If you notice the early signs of a cold sore, treatment is often most effective when started as soon as possible. You may wish to consider:

• Antiviral creams available from pharmacies

• Prescription antiviral medication from your GP or pharmacist where appropriate

• Keeping the area clean and dry

• Using lip balm with SPF protection

• Avoiding touching or picking the sore

Still Unsure If You Should Come to Your Appointment?

If you have a cold sore and are unsure whether you should attend your appointment, please give us a call and speak to one of the Smiles in Tandem team. 

We will be happy to advise whether your appointment can go ahead or if it would be best to reschedule.

Your comfort, safety, and wellbeing are always our priority.