As you prepare for the upcoming holiday shopping and celebrations with family and friends, here’s some expert dental advice on managing and preventing cold sores during the holiday season:
Watch Your Triggers:
Cold sores can be triggered by stress, fatigue, and certain foods. Try to manage stress through relaxation techniques and get plenty of rest.
Moderate Your Food Favorites:
While it’s tempting to indulge in your favorite holiday dishes, be mindful of foods that can trigger cold sores, like nuts, chocolate, and acidic foods. Enjoy these treats in moderation to reduce the risk of outbreaks.
Stay Hydrated:
Drinking water helps maintain oral health and can prevent cold sores. Hydration is especially important during the holidays if you’re enjoying alcoholic beverages.
Lip Protection:
Cold sores often appear on or around the lips. Use a lip balm with SPF to shield your lips from the sun’s UV rays, which can trigger outbreaks.
Medication and Prevention:
If you have a history of frequent cold sores, talk to your dentist or doctor about antiviral medications. These can help reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks.
Oral Hygiene:
Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly. Avoid toothpaste that contains sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), as it can irritate the mouth and trigger cold sores in some individuals.
Don’t Touch:
If you have an active cold sore, don’t touch or pick at it. Also, try to limit your close contact with others to avoid spreading the virus.
Enjoy The Holidays – Anyway!
Remember, cold sores can be managed, and they shouldn’t prevent you from savoring the joy of holidays with loved ones.
If you have any concerns or questions about cold sores and your dental health during the holiday season, please get in touch with Dr. Rita Dargham and her fantastic Grove Smiles® Dentistry team for personalized advice.
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