A cold sore – primary Herpes I infection on the attached gingiva (the pink gum). Note the small, separate white “pimples” which eventually coalesce into one larger lesion. This can be very painful and is contagious. It is defined as a sexually transmitted disease – STD – though it is possible to contract it innocently, e.g. by sharing food. Herpes I infection is more frequently seen on the lips. Diagnosis and prescription medication can greatly reduce the symptoms and duration. For more information click on the “Dental Textbook” on the top of this page and then click on “Cold Sores” in the left margin.

A cold sore – herpes gingivalis at three days. 1) Labial photo of tooth #30. 2) Palatal photo of tooth #3. This is contagious and can be quite painful. It begins as individual little red dots that coalesce on the pink attached gingiva (gum). This is distinctly different from a canker sore (see aphthous ulcer). Diagnosis and treatment with prescription medication can dramatically improve symptoms. For more information click on the “Dental Textbook” on the top of this page and then click on “Cold Sores” in the side margin. Unfortunately Herpes Gingivalis – gum herpes – is hidden inside the mouth on the gums and so the person becoming infected will typically have no idea. Common contact points are oral to oral or oral to genital.

A cold sore – Herpes Simplex Type 1 (at 7 days). Herpes Labialis means lips as opposed to Gingivalis which means gums. This is a highly contagious sexually transmitted disease that can also be transmitted by innocent contact! Avoid kissing, oral sex and sharing food when visible. Diagnosis and prescription medication can significantly reduce the onset and severity of an outbreak. For more information click on the “Dental Textbook” on the top of this page and then click on “Cold Sores” in the side margin.