Dental Talk Thursday | Cold Sores

Dental Talk Thursday | Cold Sores

For this weeks Dental Talk Thursday we are going to be talking about something else no one wants, a cold sore.

Cold sores, aka fever blisters, are painful infectious blisters that are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1. Although they can appear on any part of the body, they are most commonly found around the mouth and lips. Once they form, they result in a contagious sore that typically lasts 7-10 days.

Cold sores are very common but fortunately they’re not very serious. The only time they become a serious problem, potentially life-threatening to be exact, is if they are spread to someone with AIDS which can cause blindness if it reaches the eyes, meningitis if it reaches the brain.

They are usually spread through close contact such as kissing or sharing utensils with an infected person. However, there is another way they can be transmitted. Genital herpes which is caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 can be transmitted through oral sex.

Once you have been exposed to the herpes simplex virus, it lies dormant until it is triggered. This is why those who have been exposed don’t walk around with cold sores exposed all the time. If the virus gets triggered by something such as allergies, stress, fatigue, weak immune system, excessive sunlight, cold weather, or even certain foods, they will reappear.

How do you know if you have a cold sore?

First, you will feel a burning or tingling sensation around your lips for a few days.

Then, a small fluid-filled blister will appear on the outside edge of your lips.

The sore will ooze out fluid before crusting over.

If it’s the first time you have a cold sore outbreak, you may also get a sore throat, headache, fever, or experience muscle aches.

Once you have an outbreak, it will typically take 2- 4 weeks to completely heal completely and go back to its dormant state. While the sores are present, the virus is contagious.

How do you treat a cold sore?

There is no cure for the herpes simplex virus. The best thing to do is try some antiviral medication to help heal the cold sore quicker and reduce their frequency. Typically a doctor’s visit is not necessary unless they do not clear up within two weeks or if your symptoms become severe.

How do you prevent cold sores?

Unfortunately, it can be very difficult to prevent cold sores unless you know you’re your triggers are then, you just try your best to avoid them. For example, one of my triggers is the sun (especially if I get burnt) so I just pay extra attention it and use sunscreen and lip balm. If you are an extreme case and have them really often, your doctor may recommend a prescribed daily antiviral medication.

- Rachel Faul, Registered Dental Hygienist

*Stay tuned for next weeks "Dental Talk Thursday" over at Facebook.com/RachelFaulFitness at 7:30pm EST