COMFORTABLE AND FAST HEALING

Treatment for Cankers & Cold Sores

If you suffer from canker sores (apthous ulcers) or cold sores (herpes simplex lesions), it can be painful and disruptive to your daily routine.

At VanSmileDesign, we offer a modern, non-invasive treatment option—photobiomodulation therapy (PBM)— to promote faster healing and reduce discomfort, often within minutes.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CANKER SORE AND A COLD SORE?

Canker sores and cold sores are often confused, but they quite different. Canker sores are small, painful ulcers occur inside the mouth and are not contagious. In contrast cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus and appear on or around the lips, and they are contagious.

Cold sores are contagious; canker sores are not
Cold sores occur outside the mouth (and sometimes on the gums or palate)
Caused by a viral infection (HSV-1), which can remain dormant and recur

Canker Sores or Apthous Ulcers

Canker sores—also known as aphthous ulcers—are among the most common causes of mouth pain. While they’re not contagious, they can be uncomfortable and interfere with eating, drinking, or speaking.

What Causes Canker Sores?

The exact cause of canker sores isn’t fully understood, but several common triggers are known to contribute:

Minor mouth trauma – such as biting the inside of your cheek, aggressive toothbrushing, or dental appliances like braces
Stress and fatigue – emotional or physical stress can weaken the immune response
Nutritional deficiencies – especially low levels of iron, vitamin B12, zinc, or folic acid
Hormonal changes – particularly in women during menstruation
Food sensitivities – to acidic or spicy foods, chocolate, coffee, strawberries, or certain additives like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)
Underlying health conditions – such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, or immune system disorders
Genetics – canker sores may run in families

Recognizing the Symptoms and Appearance of Canker Sores:

Small, round or oval sore with a white, yellow, or gray center
Surrounded by a red, inflamed border
Typically forms inside the mouth—on the tongue, inner cheeks, lips, or soft palate
Oftenn painful, especially when eating spicy, salty, or acidic foods
A tingling or burning sensation may occur 1–2 days before the sore appears
In more severe cases: fever, swollen lymph nodes, or general fatigue

Cold Sores or Herpetic Lesions

What Causes Cold Sores?

Cold sores—also known as oral herpetic lesions—are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Once you’ve been exposed to the virus, it stays in your body for life, typically lying dormant in nerve tissue and reactivating under certain conditions.

Most people are exposed to HSV-1 in childhood or early adulthood, often through kissing, shared utensils, or close contact.
The virus can remain inactive for months or even years before reactivating.

Tingling, itching, or burning sensation—often the first sign, appearing 24–48 hours before the sore emerges

Recognizing the Symptoms and Appearance of Cold Sores:

Small, fluid-filled blisters typically grouped in clusters
Blisters may break open and form a crust or scab as they heal
Usually appear on the lips, corners of the mouth, or surrounding skin
May also cause pain, tenderness, or swelling in the affected area
In some cases: fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, or fatigue
Caused by a viral infection (HSV-1), which can remain dormant and recur

Common Triggers That Reactivate Cold Sores:

Stress – emotional or physical stress can weaken the immune system, allowing the virus to resurface
Illness or fever – including colds, flu, or other infections (often called a “fever blister”)
Sun exposure – UV radiation can trigger outbreaks, especially on the lips
Hormonal changes – such as during menstruation or pregnancy
Fatigue or lack of sleep – lowers the body’s ability to suppress the virus
Injury to the lips or mouth – including dental procedures, cuts, or chapped lips
Weakened immune system – due to medications or health conditions

Is HSV-1 Contagious?

Yes. Cold sores are highly contagious, especially when blisters are present. The virus spreads through:

Direct contact (e.g., kissing)
Shared items (e.g., utensils, lip balm, towels)
Oral contact during active outbreaks

You can still transmit the virus even if you don’t have visible sores, though it's most contagious during active outbreaks.

How Can Phobiomodulation Therapy Help?

Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a safe, pain-free laser therapy that uses low-level light to stimulate healing at the cellular level. At VanSmileDesign, we use PBM to treat both aphthous ulcers and cold sores with exceptional results.

Reduces pain immediately after treatment
Speeds up healing—often cutting recovery time in half
Decreases inflammation and swelling
Can prevent cold sore outbreaks if treated at the early (tingling) stage
No medications, no needles

WHY CHOOSE VANSMILEDESIGN?

Dr. Van and our team combine compassionate care with the latest technology to help you feel better—faster. We’re proud to offer advanced PBM therapy as part of our comprehensive approach to oral wellness.

Whether you're dealing with frequent ulcers or a sudden cold sore flare-up, early intervention is key. Let us help you manage these common conditions quickly, comfortably, and effectively.