DENTAL CARE

Fast and Effective Cold Sore Relief: What You Need to Know

By: BIOLASE

Looking for fast relief from cold sores? If you’re one of the millions of Americans affected by Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1), you know how frustrating and painful these outbreaks can be. Fortunately, there are effective treatment options, including cutting-edge laser therapy, that can significantly shorten healing time and provide real relief.

What Causes Cold Sores?

Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are caused by HSV-1 and typically appear around the lips or mouth. Outbreaks often begin with a subtle tingling or itching sensation, eventually progressing into a visible sore that can ooze, scab, and last up to two weeks if left untreated.

Once HSV-1 is in your system, the virus remains dormant in nerve cells and can reactivate when triggered.

Common Cold Sore Triggers

Understanding your cold sore triggers is essential for prevention. Common triggers include:

  • Physical or emotional stress
  • Fatigue or lack of sleep
  • Illness or fever
  • Sun (UV) exposure
  • Hormonal fluctuations
  • Injury or trauma to the mouth

Best Cold Sore Treatments (FDA-Approved)

The good news? There are FDA-approved treatments that can help you find relief quickly and effectively.

1. Antiviral Medications

Prescription antiviral pills, like acyclovir or valacyclovir, work best when taken at the first sign of symptoms. These can:

  • Shorten outbreak duration
  • Reduce the severity of symptoms
  • Lower the risk of spreading the virus

2. Topical Creams

  • Abreva (docosanol) is the only over-the-counter cold sore treatment approved by the FDA.
  • Prescription creams may also offer relief, but they typically work best when combined with oral medication.

The Power of Laser Therapy for Cold Sores

If you’re looking for a fast, drug-free treatment for cold sores, laser therapy may be your best option. Laser treatment for cold sores is a safe, non-invasive, and highly effective solution.

Benefits of Laser Cold Sore Treatment:

  • Speeds up healing—often within 48 hours
  • Reduces pain and inflammation
  • Prevents future outbreaks in the treated area
  • No side effects or downtime

Using a dental laser, clinicians apply gentle, concentrated light to the affected area. This laser bandage disinfects the sore, promotes tissue repair, and significantly reduces the healing time—all without touching the skin.

Find a Cold Sore Treatment Dentist Near You

At BIOLASE, we’re leading the way in advanced laser dentistry. Our laser technology is trusted by dental professionals nationwide to treat cold sores with precision and care.

Use our ‘Find a Dentist’ tool below to locate a BIOLASE dentist near you and inquire about whether laser therapy for cold sores is right for you.

Find A Waterlase Dentist Near You

Looking for a gentler, more comfortable dental experience?  Use our Find a Waterlase Dentist tool to connect with a local provider who offers advanced, minimally invasive laser dentistry. Whether you need a filling, root canal, or gum treatment, experience the difference of Waterlase today!

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