Cold Sores

Everyone gets them, everyone HATES them. They’re often painful, annoying and can even impede your ability to speak properly or drink hot or cold liquids without pain. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus. Once the herpes simplex virus is in you, it can cause outbreaks of cold sores. Cold sore outbreaks are often triggered by exposure to hot sun, cold wind, a cold or other illness, a weak immune system, or even stress.

Cold sores, which are also called fever blisters, are groups of fluid-filled blisters that often erupt around the lips and sometimes under the nose or around the chin. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 and are very contagious. The initial infection (primary herpes) may be confused with a cold or flu and can cause painful lesions to erupt throughout the mouth. Once a person is infected with primary herpes, the virus stays in the body and causes occasional attacks. 

Cold sore blisters usually heal in a week by themselves. Over-the-counter topical anesthetics can provide some relief. Your dentist may prescribe antiviral drugs to reduce these kinds of viral infections.

If you have any questions about cold sores or anything mouth related, your Austin Dental Plus team is here for you!