Dentist Appointments and COPD

By Barbara Moore

3 min read

A yearly check-up is in order. In fact, I missed my visit last year due to COVID, so it is especially important for me not to miss another dental appointment. It’s not my favorite doctor to visit but it is necessary because what goes into the mouth could affect the lungs and heart. Having good oral hygiene is important for those of us with COPD.

Making the appointment

Let’s face it, nobody enjoys going to the dentist. There are certain doctors that I don’t mind visiting, but the dentist is not one of them. Be brave enough to make that appointment once you have had your vaccine because oral health is important.

Committing to days and times

Be selective before committing to days and times. You tell them what your needs are and let them figure out how to make it happen. I will never make an early appointment because my sleep schedule is iffy at best and certain days are no-gos. So, I schedule my appointments for after lunch and try for Fridays, if possible.

Preparing yourself

Have a complete list of all medications you have been prescribed and when you take them. Don’t forget to include over-the-counter medications and supplements too. Disclose all your health issues, no matter how insignificant. It may be a good idea to email your dentist with your medications list and the reason for taking the meds. This way he/she can be a little more prepared for your visit.

If you are not sure what a certain medication is or why you take it, it could be time for a review with your family doctor. Too many of us are taking unnecessary medications.

Be aware

If you have issues with sensitivity or sore gums, give that information freely. Tell your dentist what it feels like to brush and if you get bleeding gums. Indicate how many times a day you brush and floss. Ask for direction on the type of toothbrush you should use and also discuss the types of floss and toothpaste that are best for you. If you have dentures, now is also the time to discuss when you will need new ones and if they need to be replaced or relined.

Mindset

Relaxation

Let’s not stress the entire time we are waiting to go to our appointment. Search for relaxation videos, pick your favorite, and bookmark it. If you can calm yourself in the afternoon listening to a relaxation video, this is the video you want to listen to, with earbuds, while the dentist is working on your teeth.

Keeping a positive attitude

Don’t sweat about this appointment, instead find ways to make it a success. Wearing your supplemental O2 is a must, so don’t even think of not wearing it. Rehearse, in your mind, what your visit will look and feel like. What things will you do, and what will you need to make the appointment a success?

Before and after

Before

It is a good idea to get ready for your visit in advance. Lay your clothes out the night before and prepare everything you will need including underwear and socks. Take your shower the day before so you can conserve energy for your visit. Have a quick breakfast of hardboiled eggs and hard cheese with a banana. Just grab it the morning of the appointment.

After

This is a great time to change your toothbrush, improve your flossing techniques, and follow your dentist's orders to the T. Be proud of yourself for going to the dentist and taking this step in self-care.

How often do you visit your dentist? Let us know in the comments below!

Editor’s Note: We are extremely saddened to say that on January 7th, 2024, Barbara Moore passed away. Barbara’s advocacy efforts and writing continue to reach many. She will be deeply missed.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The COPD.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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gracefulgailg56 Member
I have been to the dentist early Feb for a cleaning and the hygienist was vaccinated and I currently am not. At the time I didn't qualify yet but the office took precautions. One of the precautions was I had to stay in my vehicle until she was ready for my appointment. Once getting inside and sitting in the dental chair had to use a peroxide rinse before she could work on my mouth. I see her twice a year. No I don't have perfect teeth and sometimes the gums bleed. Cost of some the procedures I need done is truly a factor compared to other doctors. Dental insurance is not the same when it comes to dental procedures and costs more out of pocket which causes me to hold off on some work that needs to be done. I know I'm not alone in this and sometimes don't know if this is inadvertently triggering some COPD symptoms but appears to be mild and not causing a COPD flare that would place me in a hospital setting. I used to go 3x a year before the pandemic. This office I go to is very professional.
1. Barbara Moore Moderator
 <inline-mention username="gracefulgailg56" user-id="2427327"/> glad to hear you had a successful appointment. Dental hygiene is very important to how we feel most days. Barbara Moore (site moderator and author)
eat2017 Member
I go every 6 months. But in 2020 I didn’t go due to covid. I’m back on schedule now. One thing I’ve always had issues with is flossing, it never seemed to get it all. My dentist recommended a water pik. I bought an off brand one just a few weeks ago. I have been wondering WHY didn’t I get one of these water pik things sooner. I love how well it clears between my teeth! All the bad eating I did during covid did have its effects on the condition of my teeth after a year with no professional dentistry or hygienist. ZI think if I had goat water pik my teeth would have been in better shape. 
1. eat2017 Member
 <inline-mention username="Leon Lebowitz, BA, RRT" user-id="2445532"/> Hi Leon, I do have one of those my dentist gave me. It works great. I still have a few tight areas, but these are great when I’m out to a restaurant and slip into the restroom!
2. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 <inline-mention username="eat2017" user-id="2476559"/> Glad to hear it, eat2017. I do the very same thing. They are easy to keep in my pocket (with the protector/cover), and can make my mouth feel so much better when I am out and about. My dentist also introduced them to me and I've been using them ever since! Wishing you well, Leon (site moderator <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)