Mononucleosis (mono) is a common infection primarily caused by the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV). It is often called the “kissing disease” because it transmits through saliva. An active mono infection causes systemic symptoms that can make routine activities, including dental visits, problematic. Whether you can safely attend your dental appointment depends on the severity of your current symptoms and the stage of the infection.
Physical Risks While Receiving Dental Care
One serious internal concern during a mono infection is the potential for an enlarged spleen, known as splenomegaly. The spleen swells as it fights the virus, making it more fragile and susceptible to injury. While rare, a splenic rupture is a life-threatening medical emergency.
Significant pressure or trauma to the abdomen must be avoided. Medical guidelines recommend avoiding strenuous activity for three to four weeks after symptoms begin, as the spleen can remain fragile for up to eight weeks. Any sudden or forceful movements in the dental chair could pose a minor internal risk.
Inflammatory symptoms of mono also affect comfort during a procedure. Extreme fatigue, a sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck make lying flat for an extended time difficult. Furthermore, inflammation of the tonsils and throat tissues can limit how wide you can open your mouth, which is necessary for the dentist to perform procedures.
Transmission Concerns in a Clinical Setting
Mononucleosis is highly transmissible, as EBV sheds primarily through saliva, which is concentrated during dental procedures. The highest viral load and period of contagiousness occur during the acute phase when symptoms are most apparent. Procedures using high-speed tools, such as cleanings or fillings, generate aerosols that mix saliva and blood particles into the air.
Dental offices utilize universal precautions, including standard infection control practices and personal protective equipment. However, heavy viral shedding during an acute mono infection increases the risk of transmission. The virus can continue to shed intermittently in saliva for many months after symptoms resolve. Rescheduling non-urgent care is the preferred approach to protect staff and other patients from unnecessary exposure during peak viral presence.
Necessary Steps Before Your Appointment
The most important step is to contact your dental office immediately, whether you have a routine cleaning or an urgent issue. Never assume your symptoms are mild enough to proceed without consulting the dental team first. Clearly disclose your mononucleosis diagnosis or any current flu-like symptoms, such as fever, body aches, or fatigue.
The dental professional will determine the safest course of action based on your health status and the treatment needed. For standard procedures like check-ups or cleanings, the recommendation is to postpone the appointment until acute symptoms have subsided. This typically means waiting at least two to four weeks, allowing the body to recover and the spleen to return to its normal size, reducing physical risk.
If you are experiencing a true dental emergency, such as a severe infection or unbearable pain, the situation is handled differently, but you must still call ahead. The dental office may consult with your primary care physician to assess the risk of a splenic injury before proceeding with treatment. In these emergency situations, the dental team will implement enhanced infection control measures. They may also choose procedures that generate minimal aerosols to quickly address the immediate problem while protecting everyone involved.