Cold Sores

Cold Sores

You can prevent mouth sores and other common problems by taking good care of your mouth, teeth, and gums. Some issues are out of your control, genetically predisposed. Certain types of cancer are included in this category. But other issues arise out of your lifestyle, such as excessive tobacco use or sun exposure, which can lead to lip cancer.

Some people are plagued with random and frequent cold sores. Cold sores, also called fever blisters, are a common problem, whether you get them often or not. If they do occur often, it is a good idea to see your doctor and get a prescription. If you have a cold sore that lasts longer than two weeks, you should consult your physician.

Many people are curious what actually causes cold sores. They are caused by the herpes simplex virus. There are two types – 1 and 2 – and cold sores are generally in the Type 1 category. The virus typically enters the body through a break in the skin or inside the mouth. An example of this would be sharing your Coke straw with someone who has a cold sore while you have a cut on your lip.
Symptoms are noticeable from the beginning. A small area on the lip or in the mouth will become painful, you may also have a sore throat, a fever, or swollen glands in various places in your body. It doesn’t take long for the sore to break open and scab over but over-the-counter ointments and creams help speed the healing process and reduce the pain.

Call us today at 989-773-3560 or fill out this contact form to book an appointment with one of our dental experts. We look forward to meeting you!