Cold Sore Treatment

Dr. Bruno Giglio offers treatment for cold sores and canker sores to help alleviate your discomfort and help you heal. There are several types of treatments our dentist may recommend, and he will examine your mouth to determine which type of treatment is right for your needs.

Canker sores are small, painful lesions that develop inside the mouth. They are typically found on or around the tongue, inside your cheek or lip, at the base of the gums, or on the soft palate. They are white or gray with a red border and are often preceded by tingling or burning sensations. Canker sores are frequently confused with cold sores, which present around the outside the mouth or on the lips in small clusters of blisters that burst and then crust over. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus and are contagious. Canker sores, however, are not contagious and will never appear on the outside of the mouth.

While the exact cause of canker sores is unknown, there are several factors that help trigger their development. These factors include:

• Stress
• Tissue injury
• Braces
• Ill-fitting dentures
• Genetics
• Acidic or citrus foods (such as pineapple)

Cold and canker sores can be painful, but this discomfort should lessen within the first few days, and the lesion should heal without treatment in one to two weeks. However, if your cold or canker sore is persistent, unusually large or extremely painful, or if the sores seem to be spreading, our dentist may recommend:

• Corticosteroid ointment
• Antimicrobial mouthrinse
• Laser treatment
• Over-the-counter medications as needed
• Rinsing your mouth with a warm water solution
• Avoiding eating acidic, citrus or spicy foods

For more information about cold and canker sore treatment in Sterling Heights, Michigan, and to schedule a consultation with Dr. Giglio, contact MI Smile Team today at 586-254-3860.