Ask Advanced Dental Concepts: How do I prevent cold sores?

Lets’ face it, cold sores are always painful and always unwanted. These lesions, also known as herpes simplex virus (HSV), can be caused by, according to Dr. Andrew Weil, “stress, such as the onset of a cold or other illness, menstruation, sunburn, fatigue, even emotional trauma.”

Typically, cold sores come and go within 10 days, but here are a few tips to avoid them in the first place. Dr. Weil suggests the following six ways you can help prevent cold sores:

1. Avoid foods as chocolate, cola, beer, grain cereals, chicken soup, gelatin, seeds, nuts and peas. These foods contain rich in the amino acid arginine, which can activate the virus.

2. Get a new toothbrush after an outbreak subsides. The virus can live in your toothbrush and re-infect you.

3. Always use SPF 15 sunscreen before going out in the sun. Be sure to use a lip moisturizer as well.

4. Since HSV is highly contagious, don't kiss or shake hands with anyone who has a cold sore.

5. Wash your hands constantly.

6. Avoid sharing towels and utensils with anyone who has a cold sore.

For more on cold sores, check out this helpful article from our friends at WebMD.