Blog

It’s generally advisable to reschedule a dental appointment if you have an active cold sore on your nose or around your mouth. Here’s why:

1. Contagiousness: Cold sores, caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1), are highly contagious, especially during the active phase when blisters are present. Dentists and their staff may risk contracting the virus or spreading it to other patients.
2. Discomfort: Dental procedures often require the dentist to work in close proximity to the affected area, which could aggravate the sore and cause additional pain or discomfort.
3. Infection Risk: The area around a cold sore is sensitive and can be more susceptible to infection. Dental work might increase the risk of secondary infections if the sore is irritated during the procedure.

Most dental practices prefer to postpone non-urgent dental treatments until the cold sore has healed to avoid complications. If the dental procedure is urgent, it’s best to inform your dentist about the cold sore in advance so they can take appropriate precautions.