Should you apply toothpaste to a cold sore?

Should you apply toothpaste to a cold sore?

The age old question: can toothpaste treat a cold sore? If you are someone who suffers from regular, or periodic cold sores I’m sure you would do just about anything to stop them from reappearing. In this article, we will explore whether or not it’s a good idea to apply toothpaste to a cold sore, and how you can treat your cold sore to stop it from returning. 

What is a Cold Sore? 

This is a scary word – but stay with us – cold sores are a viral infection caused by a strain of the Herpes Simplex virus (HSV-1). It can be brought on by age, stress, UV exposure, changes in hormones such as in pregnancy and menstruation, allergies, and any respiratory issues. The sores can feel quite sore and tender, look red and inflammed, and are often found around the lips and soft tissues of the mouth. Cold sores can be contagious, so be careful and make sure you don’t share any food, beverages, utensils! 

Will toothpaste help?

Using toothpaste on cold sores can irritate not only the sore itself but also the skin around it. So, it’s best that you avoid using toothpaste as a treatment! We recommend you see your local dentist or doctor to investigate and diagnose as you may need prescription medication for treatment. 

Preventative Care 

Common symptoms of cold sores include stress, fatigue and intense sunlight. If you are prone to cold sores, consider the following tips. 

• Wear sunscreen daily (especially around the affected area) 
• Stay hydrated
• Sleep for recommended 8 hours daily 
• Exercise regularly
• Eat your fruits and veggies! 

On top of these simple tips, we recommend having your twice yearly dental visit to keep on top of your dental hygiene. 

You can book a dental appointment today with your local Collingwood Park dentist. Ask us how you can treat your cold sores long-term.