Cold sores, or fever blisters, are symptoms of a common viral infection. They appear as a group of small, fluid-filled blisters around the mouth or on the lips. Highly contagious and often painful, nobody wants a cold sore! As your local dentists in Flagstaff, we’ll help you determine if going to the dentist with a cold sore is a good idea.
What Causes Cold Sores?
Cold sores are very contagious and are spread through personal contact such as kissing or drinking from the same glass. They are typically caused by the herpes simplex type one virus (HSV-1), although they can also be caused by the herpes simplex type two virus (HSV-2).
The virus is most contagious when you have infected bodily fluids, like oozing blisters, but it can also be spread asymptomatically. Many people who are infected never develop symptoms, and are unaware that they are even infected.
The Mayo Clinic reports that about 70% of the U.S. population test positive for HSV-1 because there is no cure. After the initial breakout has healed, the virus lies dormant in your nerve cells until reactivated.
How Long Do Cold Sores Last?
Cold sores usually last for several days, but they can take up to four weeks to completely heal. Symptoms will vary with each breakout or occurrence, although the first breakout is typically the most severe. During a first-time breakout, you might also experience fever and muscle aches, headaches, swollen glands, a sore throat, or painful gums.
Cold sores go through several stages before healing.
- Stage 1: You will feel a tingling, itching, or burning around your mouth for about a day before blisters appear.
- Stage 2: Small fluid-filled blisters may erupt along the border of your lips or in the corners of your mouth. Blisters may also appear around your nose, on your cheeks, or inside your mouth.
- Stage 3: The small blisters will burst, ooze and leave painful sores.
- Stage 4: The sores will dry out and scab over, and they might itch and crack.
- Stage 5: The scab will shrink up and fall off, and the cold sore will heal.
Can You Go to The Dentist with a Cold Sore?
If you suffer from recurring cold sores, it can be painful and frustrating. However, it doesn’t have to keep you from seeing the dentist for a scheduled appointment. Cold sores in later stages are less of a health risk and will cause less pain to you, the patient, during a dental appointment. If a flare-up has occurred prior to your visit, give the dental office a call to discuss your concerns and to have them weigh in on whether your visit should stay on the books or can be rescheduled for a future date.
Keeping Up with Your Oral Health
We know it may be uncomfortable, but if you have a cold sore and are scheduled to visit Country Club Dental in Flagstaff, please call to let us know. It’s best to determine where you’re at in the healing process before visiting to ensure your safety and health of our staff. Give us a call at 928-526-4314 to discuss your symptoms before your appointment.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use. Photo by christian ferrer on Unsplash (10/25/2021)
