Oral health and respiratory health are closely connected. The bacteria that cause cavities and periodontal disease can be breathed into the lungs, which may worsen symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Regular dental care helps prevent respiratory infections, inflammation, and other problems linked to poor oral hygiene.

If you use oxygen therapy for COPD, you may wonder whether it’s safe to get dental treatment and, if so, how your dental team will handle it. Rest assured, most people who use supplemental oxygen can — and should — get routine dental care.

“I just finished having new bridgework done, and I wore my oxygen the entire time with no problem,” a member of MyCOPDTeam said. Another member shared, “I’m a retired dentist, and I had no problems with patients who were on oxygen.”

Dental procedures requiring sedation or general anesthesia may be more complicated for people with lung disease and need extra coordination between your pulmonologist and dentist. However, for routine cleanings and other dental work, using oxygen shouldn’t be an issue.

Here are six considerations if you or a loved one needs dental work while using oxygen for COPD.

1. You Can Bring Your Oxygen to the Dentist

When making plans, people with COPD often ask, “Can I bring my oxygen?” Scheduling a dental visit is no different. Be sure to talk with your dentist ahead of time about their office’s policies and procedures, but many MyCOPDTeam members say they’ve had no issues bringing oxygen to their appointments:

• “I’ve been to the dentist several times with both my portable oxygen system and my portable concentrator — no problems with either.”
• “I go to the dentist every four months and just lay my portable oxygen tank on my lap. It works great.”
• “I take my portable oxygen tank with me to the dentist. It’s no trouble at all.”
• “I’ve had cleanings done and am scheduled for a filling next week. My dentist doesn’t have a problem with me being on oxygen.”

If you don’t have portable oxygen equipment, ask your healthcare provider whether a portable system might be right for you. You can also contact your insurance provider to see what’s covered. “Talk with your insurance company to see what you can work out,” one MyCOPDTeam member advised. “When I was on oxygen 24/7 and still working, I had a concentrator in my office, a concentrator at home, and smaller portable tanks for when I was out and about.”

2. You Can Take Breaks

Before your appointment begins, let your dentist or dental hygienist know that you may need to take breathing breaks during the procedure. One MyCOPDTeam member recommends agreeing on a simple signal, especially helpful if you tend to experience shortness of breath. “You and the dentist will agree on a signal if you feel overwhelmed during the process and need to take a breathing break,” the member said. “They should understand. It’s not their first rodeo.”

Another member said their dentist is very accommodating about oxygen use, and together they’ve developed a system that helps them stay safe and comfortable: “My dentist allows me to position the tanks close by so I can make adjustments during the dental procedure if needed. She will stop for short breaks but will not adjust the tank flow for me.”

3. Your Dentist May Make Adjustments

Try to find a dentist who has experience treating people with severe COPD, emphysema, or other respiratory diseases. You might need to travel a little farther or ask your pulmonologist for a referral, but an experienced dentist will be better prepared to keep you safe and comfortable. They can make several adjustments when caring for people with COPD.

Seating Position

To make breathing easier, your dentist may put your chair in a seated or semi-reclined position — you won’t be completely flat, but you won’t be fully upright either. If you feel uncomfortable or need your head or neck adjusted, be sure to speak up.

“I find breathing a bit easier with my head propped forward and upward,” one MyCOPDTeam member said. Another added, “Ask the dentist to let you sit up a little more if you need to.”

Oxygen Flow

Your dentist may sometimes need to adjust your oxygen flow, especially if your oxygen levels go outside your normal range or if there is an emergency. Although comfort is important, too much oxygen can be harmful. Knowing your ideal range and how to track it can be helpful.

“I wear my SpO2 continuous monitoring ring when I’m at an appointment,” shared a MyCOPDTeam member who uses a wearable sensor to track their oxygen levels. (SpO2 stands for saturation of peripheral oxygen.)

Appointment Length

In addition to allowing breaks, your dentist may schedule shorter appointments to help you stay comfortable. That may mean more visits, but this approach can reduce discomfort or strain.

Equipment

For certain procedures, like crowns and root canals, dentists often use a rubber dam (a thin, square sheet) to isolate the area and prevent the spread of bacteria. However, for some people with COPD, a rubber dam can feel uncomfortable or interfere with breathing, so your dentist may choose not to use one.

4. Safety Procedures Are in Place

Oxygen doesn’t burn on its own, but it can make other materials catch fire and burn faster. When discussing your oxygen needs with your dentist or dental practice staff, ask about the safety measures they have in place. These may include:

• Keeping oxygen tubing clear of dental tools and equipment
• Avoiding sparks or heat sources near oxygen
• Confirming whether you use a portable tank or a concentrator
• Keeping a fire extinguisher within reach

As someone who regularly uses supplemental oxygen, you can also help keep yourself and others safe by speaking up if anything doesn’t seem right. Don’t hesitate to ask your dental team how you can support safety during your visit.

One MyCOPDTeam member suggested carefully positioning nasal cannula tubes: “You can run your pongs over your head to keep them out of the way.” Another shared, “My dentist has oxygen in the office that they put on me instead of me bringing my own. You might ask if they have it there.”

5. You Can Help the Appointment Run Smoothly

A little preparation before your dental appointment can make the experience safer and more comfortable. Here are some ways to help your visit run smoothly:

• Talk with your pulmonologist about the dental work you need so they can provide guidance and coordinate with your dentist, if needed.
• Discuss your health and oxygen needs with your dentist before the appointment so they can plan ahead for any adjustments or precautions.
• Share your complete medical history, including any recent changes in your respiratory symptoms or overall health.
• Bring a current list of medications you’re taking.
• Pack your oxygen supplies and bring extras, just in case.
• Make sure the dental practice has your emergency contact information.

Clear communication and preparation can make a big difference, as one MyCOPDTeam member explained: “I’ve never had a problem going to the dentist. Oxygen issues — and most everything else — can usually be dealt with by talking to the dentist ahead of time so they know to expect it. The best thing to do is talk with your dentist and let them know what you’re concerned about. Then you can have a conversation about how they will accommodate you.”

6. Your Dentist May Refer You to a Specialist

No matter how well you plan and prepare, your dentist may decide it’s safer for you to be seen by a specialist or get dental work in a hospital setting. This is more common for people with severe COPD or for higher-risk procedures involving sedation, general anesthesia, or extensive dental work that could put extra strain on the lungs.

If this happens, try not to worry. It’s simply a precaution to help protect your breathing, comfort, and safety. If a referral is needed, your pulmonologist and dental specialist can work together to make sure your oxygen and health are closely monitored throughout the procedure.

Your dental health can affect your lung health, overall health, and quality of life, so don’t delay. Start planning and talk with your care team about the dental work you need.

Join the Conversation

On MyCOPDTeam, people share their experiences with COPD, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Have you had dental work while on oxygen? Let others know in the comments below.