Cold Sores: FAQs

Are you someone who is dealing with cold sores? Perhaps you’re noticing the occurrence of some type of sore but you’re not exactly sure if you’re seeing fever blisters or something else. This is a common topic when it comes to sores that affect your smile health. We know it’s easy to worry about such things but we would like to remind you that we are here to answer your questions and most of the time, it’s just a matter of seeking treatment right away to resolve problems! As for the sores you’re seeing, let’s get you headed toward helpful details with an FAQs session.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What are cold sores like? How do I know if this is what I’m seeing or if it’s something else entirely?

Answer: Cold sores are blisters that are painful and filled with fluid. They are caused by a virus called herpes simplex 1. You might also hear them referred to as fever blisters. Remember, they will show up on your lips and around your mouth. If sores occur in your mouth, then they are a different type of sore affecting your smile health.

Question: Are cold sores contagious? I have heard that canker sores are not, so I’m not sure how to know what’s what.

Answer: They are contagious! Touching them and then touching another part of your face may spread the disease. You may also spread the disease to others. As a result, practice caution while you have a breakout and avoiding touching the sores.

Question: What can I do to protect my smile health? Cold sores are uncomfortable but I’m not exactly sure what I should do to limit the discomfort.

Answer: You may hold a cold compress against them to limit discomfort or use numbing creams. We also encourage you to speak with your general practitioner for options to prevent future occurrences. 

Protect Your Smile Comfort With Helpful Tips

Ask us for tips for any issue affecting the comfort of your smile, so we may do our best to provide you with helpful, reassuring recommendations. Learn more by scheduling a visit in Prairie Village, KS by calling Robert M Browne, DDS at (913) 901-8585.