Managing Cold Sores Before Your Dental Visit in West Ryde

Cold sores are small blisters that are common during the cold season, and they may interfere with your regular dentist appointment.

However, it’s no problem. Simply inform us when you have one, and we will reschedule your appointment.

No worries, the blisters will typically heal within 8 to 10 days, and we can resume your dental care then! However, it is essential to ensure that you have a cold sore, as it may be confused with other mouth sores. 

Putting the Chill On Cold Sores

If you have ever suffered from a cold sore, you know they can be embarrassing and painful. It might make you feel better to know that you are not alone: Around 85 per cent of Australians carry herpes simplex type one, the virus most associated with cold sores, and 20 per cent of Australians have herpes simplex type two.

This may seem high, but many of us are carriers, even though we never exhibit symptoms. Some infected people do not display any signs of the virus and never have an outbreak of cold sores.

Cold sores are a type of herpes virus, which means it never leaves your body; it stays in a dormant state until something triggers it to reappear. The sores usually appear on or around the lips as blisters that go through a series of unattractive and painful stages over about 8 to 12 days.

Because the virus is common, easily transmitted, and annoying, we want you to have the knowledge needed to avoid, suppress, and treat cold sores, as well as ensure you don’t pass the virus along to others.

Cold sore triggers

The HSV virus ‘hides’ in your nervous system and is usually dormant. However, certain triggers can bring it back to activity.

These triggers include extreme temperatures, sunlight or sunburn, stress, menstruation, and skin injuries.

Here is a general list of potential triggers:

• Stress
• Illness
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Ultraviolet (UV) exposure (e.g. sunlight and sunburn)
• Mouth trauma
• Hormonal changes

A critical strategy in avoiding cold sore outbreaks is to identify or limit triggers.

Treating cold sores before they erupt

The most effective time to treat a cold sore is as soon as you feel an itching or tingling around your mouth. These symptoms may become apparent a few days before blisters break out, and it is at this time that the virus is most treatable.

The primary medical approach to treating cold sores is the use of antivirals. Your doctor may recommend a prescription antiviral (tablet or topical cream) to treat your cold sores. Antivirals may reduce the length of an acute outbreak or prevent new outbreaks.

To reduce your risk of a significant outbreak, you should begin antiviral therapy medicine immediately upon feeling the approach of a cold sore, even if no blisters are yet apparent.

Prescription antivirals include:

• acyclovir (Zovirax)
• famciclovir (Famvir)
• penciclovir (Denavir)
• valacyclovir (Valtrex)

Because it is essential to use these medicines promptly, consider holding a prescription in hand before any symptoms appear. This way, you can start medicine as soon as you feel a cold sore coming on.

If a cold sore has erupted

At this point, you’re in damage control. Consider:

Placing a cool, wet towel on the cold sore three times daily for 10 minutes can help manage pain, redness, and swelling. It also helps remove crusting and promote healing.

DO NOT pick at a cold sore. If you don’t leave it alone, you may lengthen the healing process. If you do touch it, don’t touch other body parts, especially your eyes. Wash your hands as quickly as possible.

Avoid acids. Tomatoes and citrus fruits contain acids that can irritate the skin and exacerbate pain. But you still need Vitamin C to boost your white blood cell count. Take tablets containing Vitamin C to get your body fighting for you.

Use appropriate pain medicine. Cold sore pain and swelling can be controlled with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Ask your doctor if you have questions.

Consider home remedies. There are several natural, at-home treatments for cold sores that can be found with a quick Internet search. Find the one that works best for you.

Preventing recurrence and spread

To reduce or prevent the return of cold sores and to prevent their spread to others:

• Don’t share things like razors, towels, and eating utensils.
• Avoid close or direct contact with other people when cold sores (or any symptoms) are present.
• Avoid things that may trigger cold sores, such as fatigue, stress, and excess sun exposure.
• Frequently clean cold sores with warm water and non-irritating soap, and keep the area dry.
• Avoid touching cold sores.
• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.
• Use moisturisers or lip balm to keep the lips moist.
• Use topical skin protectants to prevent cold sores from becoming infected.
• Avoid foods high in the amino acid arginine during an outbreak.
• Avoid alcoholic beverages, as they may hinder the immune system’s response to cold sores.

Cold Sores Management in West Ryde

At My Local Dentists, our treatments and services are 100% personalised to you and your needs. Our dentists are highly motivated and accredited practitioners with graduate degrees from the University of Sydney.

Alongside our West Ryde dentist, the supporting staff are tremendously dedicated and experienced, ensuring that each visit with us is as pleasant as possible.

Awesome Promotions for New Patients

GAP FREE

General Check-up, Scale and Clean, X-rays and Fluoride treatment (with any health insurance)*for new patients only

Marketplace Employees Discount

10% discount for employees in the Marketplace

Call your West Ryde dentist on (02) 9809 7000 or visit us at Shop 20 West Ryde Marketplace, 14 Anthony Road in West Ryde.