Dental Veneers Changed My Life

Dental Veneers Changed My Life

The Complete Guide To Dealing With A Cold Sore

by Harold Coleman

Nobody likes waking up with a cold sore. These fluid-filled blisters, which may appear on the edge of the lip or even near the nose, are painful and embarrassing. It's important, however, that you know how to deal with a cold sore when you do develop one. You need to worry not only about your own health during this time, but also about the health of those around you, as the virus that causes cold sores is quite contagious.

Preventing the spread of the virus.

Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1, also known as the oral herpes virus. This virus is highly contagious and can be passed to someone else who comes into contact with the cold sore. To prevent spreading the virus, experts recommend:

  • Avoiding kissing anyone when you have a cold sore. Don't even kiss them on the arm or hand – the virus can spread this way, too.
  • Never sharing food or utensils with someone else, as the virus can be transferred from person to person via a hard surface.
  • Not letting anyone else touch your cold sore.
  • Avoiding touching the cold sore yourself, and washing your hands often, so you minimize the chances of leaving the virus around where someone else can pick it up.

Clearing up the cold sore.

Cold sores typically heal in a week or two. They will heal faster if your immune system is healthy and able to fight off the virus. You can support your immune system by getting plenty of sleep, drinking plenty of water, and eating fresh fruits and vegetables. Keep in mind that even once the cold sore goes away, you still have the herpes virus. It will stay dormant in your body until your immune system becomes weakened again and you suffer another cold sore. By taking good care of yourself, you can keep your immune system strong and hopefully prevent subsequent cold sores. Note that when you do not have a cold sore, you cannot pass the virus on to another person.

If your cold sore does not seem to be going away, visit your dentist. He or she can prescribe antiviral drugs that may help it clear up faster. Some dentists also use laser therapy to treat cold sores. This may not help the sore heal faster, but it will ease your pain.

Cold sores are no fun to deal with, but they are a common problem. Do not be ashamed of your cold sore – chances are good that many of the people around you get them too. Take good care of yourself and contact your dentist, and the sore should clear up soon.

For professional dental care, contact a dentist such as Hughes Thomas R.


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About Me

Dental Veneers Changed My Life

I have never liked my teeth. I had a lot of dental problems, including deep staining and oddly shaped teeth. Every tooth did not have the same shape, and some were rounded while others were more square. Not surprisingly, I never smiled in pictures and not even much in real life. This left people thinking I was mean before they even met me. My dentist told me my best bet to improve the look of my smile was a set of porcelain dental veneers. He said they could make all my teeth white and the same shape. I said I wanted them without any hesitation, and we scheduled my procedures. I love my new teeth, and they really did change my life. I created this blog to help other people living with teeth they don't like realize that they do have options that can improve their smiles and their lives.