Cold sores can be painful, annoying, and unsightly. Nobody wants them but they’re a common condition. Anyone may have them at some point, including children.

Cold sores are sometimes confused with canker sores. Both can appear in the mouth area, but they’re different in many ways.

Below, we talk about cold sore causes and possible treatments at the dental office. Let’s get started.

What are cold sores?

Cold sores, also called fever blisters, appear in the mouth or facial area. They usually start as red, fluid-filled patches.

Cold sores are caused by a virus called herpes simplex and may remain inside the body and appear again. Unlike canker sores, they’re highly contagious and can spread quickly through close contact.

Cold sores typically clear up within two weeks or longer. There’s no single cure for them, but some treatments may help speed up healing and keep them from coming back again.

How do you know if you have cold sores?

Cold sores usually start with a tingling sensation in the area. Then, the sores start to appear.

You may notice lip swelling or lesions in your mouth. You may also begin to feel flu-like symptoms, such as sore throat, difficulties swallowing, and fever.

Your dentist can look at the blisters and confirm if they’re cold sores. The sores usually feel itchy and may also sting. The blisters also contain fluid that drains after a few days. Afterward, they dry out, crust over, and heal.

What triggers cold sores?

Here are some factors that can cause cold sores to appear again:

• Cold or fever
• Weakened immune system
• Stress
• Excessive sun exposure
• Menstrual cycle
• Pregnancy
• Dental work
• Close contact with someone infected

Keeping cold sores from spreading

You may ease cold sore-related discomfort from home by applying ice or a damp washcloth in the area. You may also take over-the-counter medications to help ease the pain.

To prevent the virus from spreading, avoid touching the area, always wash your hands, and refrain from making close contact or sharing utensils or personal items with others.

It also helps to monitor triggers so you can take precautionary measures.

Treating cold sores at the dental office in Woodlands, TX

You may also seek treatments for cold sores at the dental office through laser dentistry.

The best time to receive treatment is when you start to notice signs or symptoms. This helps the sores to clear out faster and shortens the duration of future outbreaks.

Laser treatments can destroy the virus causing cold sores and it from progressing further. You’re also likely to feel immediate relief.

While the sores may still appear even after receiving laser treatments, chances are they won't show up in the same spot anymore, and recurrences may also become less frequent and milder.

Overall, the procedure is quick, painless, and requires no downtime too. You don’t have to wait for weeks for the sores to heal. Laser treatments can speed up the process. Learn more about cold sore prevention and treatment in Pinehurst and Woodlands, Texas. Contact us today at (281) 356-3351 to schedule your consultation with the dentist.

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