Ever noticed how cold sores appear at the worst time possible? Before a big event, a birthday, a holiday or a first date. It’s like they know you need to be on your absolute best and are determined to embarrass you!
So how do you stop cold sores from appearing, and how do you stop them coming back?
At Warragul Dental Care we have a secret weapon that’s quick, painless and super effective.
What are cold sores?
I know what you’re thinking, stop explaining what they are and tell me how to prevent them. But bear with us. It’s handy to understand what the virus is and why it pops up in certain places at certain times.
Cold sores are tiny blisters caused by the Herpes virus. The blisters usually appear around the lips and mouth and are highly contagious, which isn’t good if you’re having a first date or want to cuddle your grandkids.
When you have a cold sore it’s important not to touch it with your hands or get within sniffing distance of anyone around you. Needless to say, good hygiene is absolutely essential. Make sure you don’t share drinks, forks or spoons (we often do this with children without thinking), towels or toothbrushes. In fact, don’t share a toothbrush with anyone ever, they’re known germ-spreaders.
When it’s party time for your cold sore, it’s time to batten down the hatches.
If I have the virus, will I definitely have cold sores?
Funnily enough, no!
90% of adults are thought to have the Herpes virus but only 1/3 will have the symptoms of a cold sore. Some people get all the luck hey?
What happens when I get a cold sore?
If you have the Herpes virus most of the time it will stay dormant (and for the lucky 2/3 of people, you’ll never know it’s there!). The virus sits quietly in the nerve cells in your skin and only springs into action at certain times, usually when you’re feeling stressed, unwell or run down. They also appear in reaction to eating certain foods or from sun/wind exposure. Sneaky little suckers!
When the virus decides to show its unwelcome face, it will appear as little blisters on your lips and mouth, which can be extremely painful and sensitive. The blisters can be easily spread to other areas in your face and to other people and, if popped, can cause infection. So try not to go near them!
Most people combat cold sores with over-the-counter creams, tablets or patches, which do a good job of keeping the blisters at bay especially if you catch it early enough. The other best remedy is prevention. By getting to know your triggers you can learn how to avoid the onset of the cold sore, for example, if it’s sun exposure make sure you always wear an SPF on your face.
How can my Dentist help with a coldsore?
We thought you’d never ask.
In addition to the usual creams and anti-viral treatment out there, we have a less fiddly, one-off treatment that works wonders in minutes.
At Warragul Dental Care we have a laser that can literally zap the virus away. It’s low level laser treatment (LLLT) that targets the cold sore and stops the Herpes virus in its tracks. It’s completely painless and the full treatment takes no more than 20 minutes.
All we do is hold the laser over the cold sore for a few minutes and you’re done! The only downside is that you won’t have enough time to watch a full episode of your favourite Netflix show during the treatment.
You’ll get immediate relief from the blisters and within a few days the scabs should have completely disappeared.
And the best bit? It can disappear forever.
When we’ve used the laser to stop your virus it’s mostly likely that the cold sore will never appear in that area again. We can’t guarantee you won’t get a cold sore again, but the likelihood is much lower.
When should I come to laser my cold sore?
There’s a small window of opportunity to zap your pesky cold sore so be vigilant! Give us a call as soon as you get the ominous tingle and the start of a blister. Once your cold sore has scabbed over the laser won’t work as effectively.
No more cold sores please! Book me in.
If you’re tired of fighting your cold sore with the usual creams, lotions, potions and voodoo magic, give us a call. We can save your sanity by waving our magic laser.
If you’ve got the tingle book in by calling 5623 5588 or pop in and see our smiling faces at 49 Victoria Street, Warragul, 3820.
Cold sores be GONE!