Cold Sores During Orthodontic Treatment

February 24, 2020 Image Credit:

Have you ever wondered what triggers cold sores? Maybe you've searched how to make them go away, or if it's normal to get them in the first place?

You've come to the right place. We're here to answer all your commonly asked questions.

What triggers fever blisters?

Cold sores can be triggered by any number of things:

• Exposure to the sun
• Cold wind
• A different illness
• Weak immune system
• Stress
• Contracting from another person
• Trauma to the mouth

Ultimately, they are a sign of the herpes simplex virus. Once HSV is contracted into your body, it's always there. It lies dormant until triggered by something. Hence, the list above of common triggers.

Since cold sores can be caused by trauma to the mouth, orthodontic appliances may make you more vulnerable to cold sores. Braces can also make cold sores more difficult to care for, which can be frustrating.

What Are the 5 Stages of Herpes Labialis?

Cold sores, sometimes called fever blisters, are made up of a small cluster of blisters. They commonly form on the lips, the corners of the mouth, or inside the mouth.

Cold sores can be painful and unattractive, causing you to be in pain and embarrassed. They generally heal within a few days, but it’s common for them to last up to two weeks.

During that time, cold sores will go through a 5 stage process.

Stage 1- Initial Symptoms

The initial symptoms occur within 1-2 days of contracting the virus. It includes:

• Tingling
• Tightness
• Soreness
• Itching around the lips

If you've had cold sores before and are experiencing the beginning symptoms, it's important you act fast. The sooner you react, the quicker it will be gone.

Stage 2- Progression

Progression symptoms occur within 2-4 days of the initial outbreak. Blisters will begin to form in clumps as a result of the virus attempting to multiply and your body trying to stop it.

Stage 3- Rupture

Rupturing occurs within 4-5 days of the beginning of the outbreak. As the blisters pop, it can be very painful. However, it is a necessary step to ridding your body of the virus. Once popped, the blisters will begin to scab over.

Stage 4- Scabbing

Once the blisters have ruptured and scabbed over, they can crack, bleed, and be very uncomfortable. It's important you don't pick at them, though. Your body is trying to heal itself, you need to let it happen.

Stage 5- Resolution

After 8-10 days of the initial symptoms, the scabs will begin to peel off (for most people). Your body will be healed and the virus will be gone! If your skin is left a little pink or red, it's okay. That's normal.

How Do Cold Sores Go Away?

Cold sores will start to heal by themselves within a few days without any treatment. However, if they are causing embarrassment or are especially painful, there are a few prescription treatments you can use, generally in the form of ointments and creams. These can help to decrease the duration and size of the cold sore.

There is not a cure for the herpes simplex virus. But, with treatment and care, there are ways that you can lessen the frequency and severity of your outbreaks during your orthodontic treatment.

It’s also important for you to know when a cold sore may be forming so that you can avoid infecting others.

If you’re suffering from outbreaks of cold sores, please contact Kuhni Orthodontic Studio at our Spanish Fork, Utah office. We may be able to help you deal with the symptoms of cold sores during your orthodontic treatment!