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Oral Herpes - What is Oral Herpes?

Oral herpes is commonly referred to as ‚”cold sores‚” and are caused by Herpes Simplex-1. While oral herpes can be annoying, it is generally not life threatening except for individuals with immune systems which are compromised, such as those with HIV or other immune system illnesses.Oral herpes  outbreaks affect the lips, mouth, tongue, gums and throat. An outbreak may also interfere with the wearing of dentures, bridges or make other dental items such as braces or orthodontics uncomfortable.

Causes of Oral Herpes

Oral herpes is most commonly caused by Herpes Simplex-1 , which is a virus similar to Herpes Simplex-2, which is the cause of most genital herpes. It should be noted that many, many people have been exposed to and carry herpes viruses, particularly Simplex-1, without ever knowing it and never experience any symptoms.

Oral Herpes Symptoms

After initial exposure, the first appearance of oral herpes usually is within 2-14 days. Duration of outbreaks is usually approximately two weeks.

Oral herpes symptoms include small bumps or blisters developing on the lips or inside the mouth. These blisters may be filled with a clear fluid. The site around the blister may itch, be sore and painful and swollen.

When the blisters burst, the sores begin to peel or slough off tissue, becoming encrusted with a yellowish-grey crust.

Additional symptoms may include fever, a general feeling of achy muscles and fatigue.

Preventing Oral Herpes

During an oral herpes outbreak , the virus is very contagious and is spread through contact with the infected sore or the crust or sloughing tissues from the sore. During this period it is important not to share towels or other personal items of the infected person, including food, straws, forks or spoons. Also, there should be no kissing or contact with the mouth or infected area. During the outbreak, the infected individual should avoid contact with infants or people with illnesses such as HIV or other immune system illnesses.

Treatment

Oral herpes is most often diagnosed and treated by a dentist. During an outbreak, a swab may be taken to determine the diagnosis. Treatment may include use of a dental laser to reduce the pain associated with an outbreak. Also, laser dental treatment may reduce the length of an outbreak.

Other treatments include over-the-counter medications such as Abreva or others. In cases where patients experience frequent oral herpes outbreaks, an antiviral medication may be prescribed to suppress outbreaks.

Summary

Oral herpes are caused by the Herpes Simplex-1 virus and while annoying, are very treatable. By the time most people reach adulthood, they have been exposed to and may carry this virus. Diagnosis is most often made by a dentist or discovered during a routine dental hygiene examination. Outbreaks last for approximately two weeks and can be treated by a dentist using a dental laser to reduce the pain associated with an outbreak and the length of time the outbreak lasts. Additional treatments may include over-the-counter and prescribed medications. During an outbreak, oral herpes is highly contagious and contact with the outbreak site or items used by the infected individual should be avoided, particularly for infants or individuals with compromised immune systems.