Cold Sores (fluid filled blisters around and outside your mouth) and canker sores (sores in the inside of your mouth) can be painful and/or embarrassing. The best treatment available is laser treatment, which can be done right here at Candlewood Dental Care. A laser is used to kill the virus and help your mouth heal faster. The laser itself doesn’t actually touch your skin and is precisely controlled to focus the exact amount of heat needed without harming your skin. It is a painless procedure that has immediate results with most patients feeling healed immediately after the treatment is complete. If you can’t make an appointment right away, here are a few helpful things you can do at home until you can see your doctor.
COLD SORES:
- Aloe Vera: Aloe vera has a lot of healing qualities and is usually associated with healing sunburns but it can also be very soothing and helpful in healing open blisters. If your blisters have not burst, aloe vera can still help when applied topically on the blister area.
- Lemon Balm: Using a lip bam that has at least 1% lemon balm can help lessen the amount of time it takes for your cold sore to heal. Using a compress made from lemon balm tea can also help aid the healing process.
- Zinc Oxide: You can find creams that have zinc oxide in any local pharmacy/drug store. Applying the cream can help ease the pain and reduce itchiness. The faster you put the cream on after an outbreak, the more effective it will be.
- Ice: Ice doesn’t necessarily help the cold sores disappear faster, but it will definitely help keep the pain at bay. Just be careful not to ice too much or you can risk getting nerve damage on your face.
- Stress: For preventing more cold sore outbreaks in the future, try to reduce the amount of stress you are under. Meditate a few minutes a day or add personal time to your daily routine so that you can regroup and gather your thoughts.
CANKER SORES:
Canker sores generally don’t have any treatment except getting some rest and letting it take care of itself. What you CAN do however, is try to avoid the triggers:
- Citrus: AVOID citrus at all costs (or acidic foods in general) until your canker sore heals. Eating citrus will make not only be extremely painful, but will also make your canker sore worse.
- Toothpaste: Try using a toothpaste that doesn’t contain sodium laurel sulfate. There are many different toothpaste brands and choices these days. Pick one that is mild on your mouth but strong enough to clean your teeth thoroughly.
- Diet: Eat more iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12. Canker sores are less likely to break out if you are eating healthier (and getting good rest).
- Stress: Same as with cold sores, reducing stress can be beneficial for your body in many ways. Canker sores are less likely to develop if you have less stress.
Dr. Lorraine Burio of Candlewood Dental Care has been treating patients for over twenty-five years in the New Fairfield, CT area. Candlewood Dental Care prides itself on having the newest technologies implemented into your dental treatment. Our staff is continuously trained and educated on the best available methods to help you get faster relief and better care. If you have any questions call us at 203-746-1200 or make an appointment here.