What is oral herpes / causes, symptoms and ways to treat herpes ======================================================= Oral herpes is a viral infection caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). This virus causes **small, painful blisters** on the lips, in or around the mouth.

Symptoms of oral herpes

- **burning and itching** before blisters appear. - **Blisters filled with liquid** that may burst and become sore. - **pain and discomfort** when eating or talking. - **Dryness and flaking** in the final stages of recovery.

Herpes transmission ways

- **direct contact** with the infected person (like kissing). - **shared use of personal items** such as glasses or towels. - Weakness of the immune system, which can cause the activation of the latent virus.

Treatment of oral herpes

- **antiviral drugs** such as acyclovir and valacyclovir to reduce the severity of symptoms. **Using topical creams** to reduce pain and inflammation. - **Avoid stress and strengthen the immune system** to prevent the recurrence of herpes. Oral herpes usually heals within **7 to 10 days**, but if it keeps recurring, it's best to consult a doctor.

Oral herpes and dentistry

When you have herpes, it is better to avoid going to the dentist because: **1. The possibility of spreading herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) to other areas or other people** Herpes is caused by the herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1) virus, which is highly contagious. • During dental treatment, the virus may be transferred through saliva or touch to **lips, mouth, dental instruments or even the dentist and staff**. **2. Irritation and exacerbation of herpes** • During dental treatments (such as scaling, restoration or surgery), the area around the mouth and lips may be stretched or impacted. • This issue can **cause severe pain, herpes bursting and its spread**. **3. Prolonged recovery** • Stress and irritation caused by dental work may slow down the healing process of cold sores. • Also, **injection of local anesthetic** may irritate and enlarge the cold sore. **4. Decreased body immunity and the possibility of infection** • The body has a weaker immune system when dealing with the herpes virus. • Performing dental work may put more stress on the body and cause herpes to worsen or prolong its duration.

### When can you go to the dentist?

• When the **cold sore is completely dry and healed** (usually 7-10 days after the cold sore started). • If you need emergency dental treatment (for example, severe pain or tooth infection), you should notify the dentist so that he can take the necessary precautions.

### How to prevent the spread of herpes?

• Maintain oral hygiene and avoid touching the cold sore until it is fully healed. • Do not share personal items (such as toothbrushes and glasses). • If necessary, use antiviral ointments such as **Acyclovir** to speed up the treatment. **Conclusion:** If you have active herpes, **it is better to postpone your dental visit** to avoid transmission of the virus and possible problems.

### Difference between oral thrush and oral herpes

Canker sores and oral herpes are both sores that appear in the mouth area, but they have important differences: - **Cause:** Canker sores are usually caused by internal factors such as stress, vitamin deficiency or food allergies, while oral herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1). - **Location:** Canker sores appear inside the mouth, on the gums, tongue or inside the cheeks, but herpes is usually seen on the lips and around the mouth. - **Sore shape:** Canker sores usually appear as round or oval sores with a white or yellow center and a red border, while cold sores are small fluid-filled blisters that may crack and crust over. - **Contagiousness:** Oral herpes is contagious and can be transmitted through direct contact or shared use of personal items, but oral thrush is not contagious. - **Recovery time:** Canker sores usually heal on their own within one to two weeks, but cold sores may take two to three weeks to clear up completely. **Summary:** • **If the sore is inside the mouth and is not contagious, it is probably a plague.** • **If it is on the lips or around the mouth and appears as a blister, it is probably herpes.** **Herpes is contagious, but plague is not.** • **The plague is usually caused by immune or nutritional problems, but cold sores are caused by a virus.**

05/27/1404