Your Cold Sores

The mouth can be the site of many bothersome lesions, bumps, and sores, and the cold sore is one of the more irritating. Should you or a member of your household become afflicted with such a sore, our Bellevue dentistry advises that you observe the following precautions in order to hasten recovery, minimize pain, and prevent the virus from spreading:

• There are drugs you can buy over the counter that can be effective in mitigating the pain, reducing cracking, and speeding up the healing process.
• Cold sores can become infected, so keep the area clean. You should wash a sore gently with ordinary antibacterial soap and water as needed.
• Use a sunscreen on your face and lips if you are to be out in the sun for an extended period of time.
• Don’t let the virus spread! Wash your hands after touching a sore, and don’t share utensils, drinks, or anything else that touches your mouth.
• You can also spread the virus to other parts of your own body if you are not careful.
• Vulnerable areas include your eyes and mouth. Wash your hands before touching other parts of your body.
• Replace your toothbrush, and don’t let your infected brush touch the brushes of others.

Remember that your sores will be contagious until they completely crust over. Cold sores will generally heal by themselves within seven or ten days.