Are you wondering if it’s possible to have your dentist appointment rescheduled because you have cold sores?
Here at Thornton Dental, we care about suiting your dental needs! Hence we can definitely reschedule your appointment, just give us a call!
Don’t worry about rescheduling, cold sores are common during fall and winter season and under normal conditions they should heal within 8-10 days and we’ll see you then!
How to Treat and Beat a Cold Sore
If you’re a cold sores sufferer, a tingling feeling on your lip usually means one thing: a new set of cold sores is about to erupt. Cold sores are generally caused by herpes simplex virus 1, which is extremely common. Cold sores on the lips are usually spread through skin-to-skin contact.
Cold sores are uncomfortable and unsightly. And while they typically clear up in two to four weeks, in the meantime sufferers endure red, oozing, and crusting blisters around their mouths.
Once you get the cold sore virus, it is with you forever. The virus sits dormant in your body until a trigger —among others, stress, illness, or hormonal changes — causes it to reappear on the surface of your lips.
The best way to avoid an outbreak is to avoid exposure to certain triggers. The best way to treat an outbreak is to respond early. If you already have a cold sore, Thornton Dental has you covered. Finally, it is also important to know how to avoid transmission of the virus.
Follow the tips below to avoid and deal with your cold sores.
Avoiding cold sores
Avoid triggers. Here are some common triggers:
- Stress can weaken your immune system, giving a dormant cold sore a chance to break out.
- Fatigue has effects similar to stress. Focus on getting enough sleep.
- Cold weather. Protect yourself from exposure to cold weather, dry air and winter wind that can dry out lips. Use lip protectant to ensure lips are moisturised.
- Excessive sunlight. Not only can the sun damage your skin, but sun exposure can also trigger cold sores. Wear a wide-brimmed hat when in the sun and bring an umbrella when heading out during the day. If you have had cold sores in the past, you should wear a lip balm with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 at all times. If you have an open cold sore, don’t use a lip balm directly on your lips, or you can spread virus to others and even spread the virus to other parts of your own body. Instead, use a cotton swab to apply balm not only to your lips but also to the skin around the outside border.
- Dental trauma. Trauma to your mouth or lips can give a cold sore a chance to erupt.
Have your prescription on hand. This is important if you are a regular sufferer. It may make sense to have your prescription in hand already when you feel that first tingle of a cold sore. Talk to your doctor about this possibility.
Treating cold sores
Left alone, a cold sore will generally last 10 to 14 days. Here’s what you can do to limit the discomfort on your own or shorten the duration of an outbreak:
See a doctor. Prescription medications such as acyclovir (Zovirax) are available to fight the virus responsible for cold sores, and they can stop a cold sore, well, cold! Treatments can be topical (applied on the surface) or oral (swallowed). Your dentist and doctor can help you with this.
Grab an ice cube. Applying ice directly to the sore can reduce swelling down and provide temporary relief from pain.
Don’t touch! If you have a cold sore don’t touch it, poke it, or rub it. This will not help the cold sore heal and can only spread the virus.
Sleep upright. If you have a cold sore, prop a couple of pillows under your head at bedtime. This allows gravity to help the blisters drain.
Change your dental appointment! The last thing that you want to do when you have a cold sore is to hear a dentist ask you to, “open wide.” A dental exam will stretch your lips, aggravating your cold sore, and it can even cause cold sores to break open and spread.
Stopping the spread of cold sores
During an outbreak:
- Avoid skin contact or kissing other people
- Avoid sharing lip balm, lipstick, cutlery, towels, and similar items
- Observe good hand hygiene
- Avoid touching other areas of your body, especially vulnerable areas, including the genitals and eyes
- If you touch a cold sore immediately wash your hands with warm water and soap
After an outbreak:
- Wash household items that come into contact with your lips (e.g. your pillowcase)
- Discard hygiene items including toothbrushes, lip balms, lipstick, etc., that may have been used around or in your mouth
Why Choose Thornton Dental?
Our mission is to make dentistry affordable, without sacrificing quality of care.
- We focus on patient care
- Exceptional infection control
- Friendly, approachable and experienced team
- Child-friendly and relaxing environment
- Patient comfort, safety and satisfaction are our primary goals
- Customised care tailored to your specific needs
- Integrity, high standards, premium quality materials
- Anxiety control and pain management
Thornton Dental has been serving the community of Thornton, Beresfield, Tarro, Woodberry, East Maitland, Chisholm, Raworth, Green hills, Metford, Ashtonfield, Tenambit, Morpeth, Lorn and surrounding areas of Maitland.
New Patients Promotions
- Pay No Gap: No Gap for dental checkup, clean, fluoride & 2 x-rays (with any health insurance)
- No Health Insurance: Only $145 ($95 for kids) for Checkup, Clean & Fluoride
Call us on (02) 4966 2996 or book your appointment online today!
