Can You Treat a Cold Sore at Home to Protect Your Mouth?
Posted on 6/21/2021 by Office
You can treat a core sore at home to keep your mouth protected. If you have any questions about treatment, always ask us first. That way, you can make sure that you are doing all you can to address the condition.
What Is a Cold Sore?
A cold sore represents a fluid-filled blister that develops near the mouth or other parts of the face. Although a rare occurrence, it can also appear on the inside of the mouth, or the nose or fingers. The sore may persist as long as 2 weeks or more. A common virus, herpes simplex causes cold sores to form. They spread through person-to-person contact, often by kissing. No known cure exists for cold sores, which can return without warning. The sores are considered contagious, even when they are not visible.
The Herpes Simplex Virus
The type of herpes simplex virus that causes a cold sore is normally type 1, or HSV-1. The other herpes simplex virus, HSV-2, causes genital herpes. However, the HSV-2 virus is also known to produce sores on the mouth. If a sore heals, the virus still stays dormant in the body. As a result, sores can always be reactivated at certain times. People who get cold sores often note that they get the sores more frequently when they are under stress or they have been sick and therefore have a weakened immune response.
Treating Cold Sores
Commercial products are available that will treat cold sores when they appear. You can apply certain creams or may treat the sore by taking an anti-viral medicine. To ensure you treat the sore with success, ask us for our recommendations so you can treat the sore and receive the best outcome. You can also obtain our advice on treating canker sores, which are ulcers that appear in the mouth. These sores are not caused by a virus nor are they contagious. Do you have a cold sore on your lip? If so, give us a call to find out more about your treatment options. Contact us anytime for an exam and consultation.
Dental Implants San Antonio, TX - About Us - Joshua Austin, DDS At Joshua Austin, DDS, our focus is your dental health and well-being. We want to provide the best dental care possible along with the best service. Call us today! Joshua Austin, DDS, 4553 N Loop 1604 W, Suite 1211, San Antonio, TX 78249; (210) 408-7999; joshuaaustindds.com; 2/1/2023; Key Phrases: dental implants San Antonio;