Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are blisters caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1). This can be itchy, irritating, and embarrassing to have. While they can go away on their own after a few weeks, when they pop up, they can cause discomfort and can appear in the same area many times. Your team at Grinnell Street Dental in Sheridan, WY, offers a treatment that can target these blemishes and minimize the chances of them popping up in the same spot again.
How You Can Minimize The Spread
Cold sores and canker sores are not the same! A canker sore is an ulcer that is caused by factors like stress, food allergies, or injuries to the mouth. These are not contagious and can be healed with topical treatments or medications. Fever blisters, on the other hand, are contagious and can be spread through close contact. There is no way to fully cure the virus, so once you have it, you have it for life. An estimated fifty percent of Americans have the herpes simplex virus that can cause these blisters. To avoid spreading this virus, or to reduce your chances of coming in to contact with it, make sure to not share items like lip products, utensils, and straws.
A Minimally Invasive Way To Treat Them
The herpes simplex virus has no total cure, but cold sores can be managed and treated with remedies like topical solutions, medicine, and laser therapy. Topical treatments can help bring relief to the area and help them go away quicker. Laser treatment is non-invasive method that works by targeting the area of a blister and reducing its chances of developing in the same area. You can do this before a blister fully erupts if you notice symptoms of one forming. Before one pops up, you may notice symptoms like a tingly or itchy feeling around your mouth, cold like symptoms, and other signs.
Why Your Dentist Targets This Issue
Your dentist may be able to detect one of these blisters during your biannual checkup. They may help treat it to bring you relief from discomfort and prevent it from forming in the same spot later. You can also have them target in between appointments when you notice the beginning signs of one erupting. Cold sores can be unsightly and may cause pain or irritation for patients, and your dentist is here to help. You may also be able to add this in with a full-mouth rehabilitation plan when restoring your smile’s appearance and wellbeing.
Ask Our Team About Laser Treatment
Call Grinnell Street Dental in Sheridan, WY, today at 307-672-7567. to learn more about laser therapy, restorations, and the other services we offer.
