Quick Relief from Cold Sores with Your Dentist
If you have a small, painful bump on or near your lip, you may be dealing with a cold sore. These fluid-filled blisters can affect your smile for several days before healing and disappearing. Cold sores can also appear in other areas, such as around the nostrils. Though they typically last a week or less, they often recur once or twice a year.
While over-the-counter antiviral creams can help treat cold sores, your local dentist can provide additional relief. Read on to discover how modern dentistry can assist in treating cold sores and alleviating discomfort.
Causes of Cold Sores
Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). The initial infection can cause fever-like symptoms, but the virus remains in your system, potentially leading to future outbreaks. Once infected, cold sores can reappear under certain conditions.
Cold sores are highly contagious, spreading through physical contact or shared items like drinks. To prevent the virus from spreading, avoid touching the sore and minimize direct contact with others during an outbreak.
Cold sore breakouts can occur at any time but are more likely to happen when you're feeling sick, fatigued, or stressed. Some patients also experience cold sore flare-ups triggered by sun exposure.
For more information on how oral health can be influenced by various factors, visit our page on oral health.
Inform Your Dentist If You Have a Cold Sore
Since cold sores are contagious, it’s essential to inform your dentist if you have one before your dental appointment. Based on your symptoms and the procedure scheduled, your dentist can determine whether to continue with the appointment or reschedule.
Some dentists may recommend postponing certain dental treatments, as they can exacerbate discomfort during cold sore outbreaks. However, at Proud Smiles, we offer advanced laser therapy that can provide targeted relief for cold sore symptoms.
Dental Solutions for Cold Sore Treatment
Advances in dental technology now allow dentists to use lasers to treat cold sores. A diode laser can target the virus that causes cold sores, speeding up healing and reducing discomfort. After a single session, patients often see significant improvement in the look and feel of their cold sore within 24 hours.
For some patients, additional appointments may be necessary to achieve the best results. Continued laser therapy can also lead to fewer cold sore outbreaks and smaller blisters over time.
Laser treatment is minimally invasive and requires no anesthetic, ensuring patient comfort throughout the procedure. If you're prone to cold sores and looking for a fast, effective solution, consult your dentist to see if laser therapy is right for you.
To learn more about our advanced treatments for cold sores, visit our technology page or schedule a consultation with our team.
Prevent Future Breakouts with Regular Care
Cold sores can be frustrating, but with the help of your dentist and a combination of at-home care and professional laser therapy, you can reduce the frequency of breakouts and shorten their duration. At Proud Smiles, our team is committed to providing you with the best care for both your oral health and overall well-being.
If you suffer from recurring cold sores, contact us today at (470) 239-6422 or schedule an appointment online for relief and prevention strategies.