Cold sores can be painful and embarrassing, but where do these pesky things come from and how can you get rid of these irksome ailments?

What Are Cold Sores?

Cold sores, also known as fever blisters or herpetic lesions, are a very common viral infection. According to the Cleveland Clinic, more than half of the people in the United States have been infected with the virus that causes cold sores. Of the people that have the virus, about 20-40 percent of them will go on to develop cold sores. Just because they are common does not make them any less painful or troublesome.

Cold sores spread from person to person by intimate or close contact. They are typically caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1. Outbreaks of this virus are often triggered by exposure to hot sun, cold wind, a cold, a weak immune system, changes in hormonal levels, and even stress. It can be difficult to pinpoint the exact reason an outbreak begins but once it commences, you can expect several days to weeks of healing ahead.

How Long Do They Last?

Cold sores typically begin with a tingling, burning, or itching sensation on or around the lips, beginning about 12-24 hours before the cold sore develops. Next, the area erupts from the skin and the area becomes red, swollen, and painful as the blisters form. Over the succeeding two to three days, the “weeping phase” causes the blisters to rupture and ooze. Around four to five days after the cold sore appears, it crusts and scabs over. Do not be alarmed if they crack and bleed as it heals. From start to finish, you can expect a cold sore to take one to two weeks to completely heal.

Treatments

While there is no cure for these irritations, there are treatments that can significantly lower the amount of time it takes to heal from cold sores. With ointments or creams, you can expect a recovery time of around three to four days. With in-office lasers, recovery from cold sores only takes two days! Cold sore laser treatment at Capital Dental in Lincoln, NE is a low-cost way to receive high-end results. By drastically cutting the length of recovery time, this option may be perfect for those who are about to walk down the aisle or even hit the town with the confidence of a clear smile.

Gum disease is a result of bacterial growth in your mouth that causes harm to the gum tissue surrounding your teeth. While some symptoms are easier to ignore, if gum disease is untreated it can lead to bone and tooth loss. Don’t ignore the signs of gum disease—we can treat the problem before it gets worse. At Capital Dental in Lincoln, NE we offer gum disease treatment solutions for any stage of gum disease.

The earliest sign of periodontitis is an irritated gum line that might present some discomfort or bleeding when you brush, floss, or have your teeth cleaned professionally. If not treated, the gums will start to retract and pull away from the teeth. This creates spaces between the teeth and gums called periodontal pockets that can quickly become filled with harmful accumulations. Your dentist will typically measure the depths of these pockets to determine how far the condition has spread and what treatment is needed to correct the problem. If gum disease eventually makes its way down to the jawbone and the connective tissues of teeth, the jawbone can deteriorate, and teeth can be lost.

Common Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

• Gum recession
• “Long teeth”
• Tooth mobility (loose tooth/movement)
• Sore teeth when you chew/bite
• Spaces between teeth
• Deep pockets under your gums
• Visible bone loss on X-rays
• Heavy tartar buildup
• Bad breath
• Bleeding when you brush and floss
• Swollen, red gums

Please keep in mind that if you smoke, vape, or use tobacco products, you may not see the same symptoms as someone who doesn’t. Your tissues could look “healthy” due to the lack of bleeding or swelling, even if the disease is present.

Gum disease is a very common oral health problem that with proper treatment can minimize the harmful effects. Call our team at Capital Dental with any questions and for treatment options.