Understanding Cold Sores

Understanding Cold Sores: What You Need to Know Before Your Dental Appointment

Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are a common viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1). These small, fluid-filled blisters typically appear around the lips, mouth, or nose and can be both painful and highly contagious. If you’ve ever had a cold sore, you know how uncomfortable they can be—but did you know they can also impact your dental visit?

Symptoms of Cold Sores

Cold sores often go through several stages, and symptoms may include:

Via: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cold-sores/

  1. A tingling, itching, or burning sensation before blisters appear

  2. Small, fluid-filled blisters around the mouth or on the lips

  3. Pain, tenderness, and redness in the affected area

  4. Oozing and crusting as the blisters break and begin to heal

  5. In some cases, swollen lymph nodes, fever, or general discomfort

When Are Cold Sores Contagious?

Cold sores are most contagious when blisters are present and actively leaking fluid. However, the virus can be transmitted even before visible symptoms appear and until the sore is completely healed. The risk of spreading the virus decreases once the sore has dried and scabbed over, but it’s still possible to transmit HSV-1 through saliva and close contact.

Why We May Have to Reschedule Your Appointment

At our dental office, your health and safety are our top priorities. If you have an active cold sore, we may need to postpone your appointment for the following reasons:

  1. Risk of Spreading the Virus – Dental procedures involve close contact, and HSV-1 can spread easily through saliva, instruments, or even aerosolized particles during treatment.

  2. Discomfort During Treatment – Cold sores can be painful and sensitive, making it uncomfortable for you to keep your mouth open for an extended period during your appointment.

  3. Delayed Healing – Some dental treatments, such as cleanings or procedures that require stretching your lips, can irritate an existing sore and prolong the healing process.

If you have an upcoming appointment and notice a cold sore developing, we recommend calling our office to discuss whether rescheduling is the best option.

Treatment Options for Cold Sores

While there is no cure for the herpes simplex virus, several treatment options can help manage symptoms and speed up healing:

Via: https://www.nm.org/

  1. Antiviral Medications – Prescription antiviral creams or oral medications (such as acyclovir or valacyclovir) can help reduce the severity and duration of an outbreak if taken early.

  2. Over-the-Counter Creams – Topical treatments like docosanol (Abreva) may help minimize symptoms and promote healing.

  3. Home Remedies – Applying cold compresses, using lip balms with SPF, and avoiding acidic or spicy foods can help soothe discomfort.

  4. Prevention Strategies – Managing stress, getting enough rest, and avoiding triggers like excessive sun exposure can help reduce the frequency of outbreaks.

Final Thoughts

Cold sores are common and manageable, but they can interfere with your dental care. If you experience an outbreak before your appointment, we encourage you to contact our office for guidance. Our goal is to provide the best care possible while ensuring your comfort and safety.

For more information or to reschedule an appointment due to a cold sore, please reach out to our team. We’re here to help keep your smile healthy and pain-free!

References:

  1. Mayo Clinic. (2023). Cold sores. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org

  2. American Dental Association. (2023). Oral health and cold sores. Retrieved from https://www.ada.org