If you often get fever blisters or canker sores, you know how irritating and uncomfortable they can be. Fever blisters (also known as cold sores) are caused by the herpes simplex virus, which can be passed to others through direct contact. Non-contagious ulcers that can appear after stress, injuries, food allergies, and more. Unlike fever blisters, this type of mouth ulcer is not contagious but can still be very uncomfortable. Your team at Mai Dentistry in Garland, TX, offers a gentle laser treatment that can help target these blemishes to relieve discomfort and restore your confidence.
How Cold Sores Happen
Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus, which is highly contagious. This virus can be spread through direct contact, such as through kissing, or by sharing items like utensils, straws, and lip balm. They get their name because the blister often appears after you have had a cold or other illness, although it is not directly caused by a cold. You may notice that a blister is erupting if the area around your mouth starts to feel itchy or uncomfortable. To relieve discomfort from these sores, avoid touching the area and take over-the-counter pain reducers if necessary. There are also products available that can help sooth the area.
Canker sores can appear on the soft tissues of your mouth, like the inside of your lip or cheeks. This type of ulcer can be caused by an allergic reaction or injury, like if your braces scrape the soft tissue. Ulcers like this can look similar to fever blisters and also cause discomfort, but they can not be spread to others like a fever blister can.
Laser Treatment Improves Healing Time
Unfortunately, once you have been infected with the herpes simplex virus, it remains in your body your entire life. However, most people with HSV-1 have mild symptoms or none at all. It’s estimated that more than half of all adults have HSV-1, though some people may never show symptoms. If a cold sore does erupt, there are remedies that can help alleviate discomfort and help them go away quicker. Antiviral creams and OTC pain reducers can help minimize the irritation that is often associated with a fever blister.
We also offer laser treatment for these blisters, which can help break down the virus and speed up the healing process. By targeting the sore, it’s less likely for a blister to appear in the same area again. If you can feel a sore developing, we may be able to treat the blemish before it fully erupts. Laser treatment can also be used for cosmetic purposes, such as gum contouring, to reshape the gum tissue and accomplish a more balanced smile.
Schedule An Appointment Today
Our advanced laser dentistry can help target cold sores and ulcers. To learn more about our treatments, call Mai Dentistry in Garland, TX, today at 972-530-0552 today.
