Quick Answer
While some people claim that toothpaste can help dry out cold sores and promote healing, there is no scientific evidence that toothpaste is an effective treatment. Most dentists and doctors recommend against putting toothpaste on cold sores as it can actually irritate the skin and make the cold sore worse. There are more effective over-the-counter treatments available for cold sores.
What is a Cold Sore?
A cold sore, also known as a fever blister or oral herpes, is a small, painful blister that develops on or around the lips. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) and are very contagious. Once a person is infected with HSV-1, the virus remains dormant in the body and can become reactivated at any time, leading to recurrent cold sores.
Common triggers for cold sores include:
- Stress
- Fatigue
- Illness
- Menstruation
- Sun exposure
- Skin trauma
The initial outbreak usually occurs a few days after exposure to the virus and lasts up to 2 weeks. Symptoms include:
- Tingling, burning or itching around the mouth
- Redness or swelling of the skin
- Fluid-filled blisters, usually on or around the lips
- Crusting or scabbing as the blisters break and heal
- Pain and discomfort
Why Do People Put Toothpaste on Cold Sores?
There are a few reasons why some people try putting toothpaste on their cold sores:
- Toothpaste is readily available in most households.
- Some toothpastes contain ingredients like menthol, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and alcohol that can help dry out blisters.
- The tingling or cooling sensation provided by toothpaste may temporarily relieve pain and itching.
- There are many anecdotal claims that it speeds healing, although these are unproven.
Does Toothpaste Work for Cold Sores?
Despite being a popular home remedy, there is no scientific evidence that putting toothpaste on cold sores is an effective treatment. Most dentists and doctors advise against using toothpaste in this way.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
While toothpaste may seem harmless, applying it to a cold sore could do more harm than good. Potential issues include:
- Skin irritation: Toothpaste contains abrasive agents and chemicals like sodium lauryl sulfate that can be very irritating to already inflamed and sensitive skin around a cold sore.
- Increased inflammation: The menthol and other ingredients in toothpaste could cause increased redness, swelling, stinging, and pain when applied to a cold sore.
- Delayed healing: The harsh chemicals found in toothpaste can delay the healing process and lead to cracking, bleeding, or secondary infection.
- Toxic ingredients: Swallowing toothpaste applied to the mouth area can cause nausea, vomiting, and other adverse effects.
Lack of Evidence
There are currently no scientific studies demonstrating that toothpaste is effective at treating cold sores. While some of the ingredients may theoretically help, toothpaste itself has not been properly tested for this use. Any positive effects are likely due to the placebo effect rather than the toothpaste itself.
Better Alternatives Available
Rather than using toothpaste, there are over-the-counter cold sore treatments available that are designed specifically to target the herpes simplex virus and provide relief. Popular OTC remedies include:
- Abreva – contains docosanol 10% cream
- Campho-Phenique – contains camphor 4% and phenol 4% topical gel
- HERP-B-GONE – contains lemon balm and anti-inflammatory ingredients
- Releev – contains benzalkonium chloride and ethyl alcohol antiseptic
These tend to be better options than toothpaste as they are made for use on skin irritations and have been clinically tested. Using an OTC treatment can help shorten healing time. Always follow package directions.
What Do Dentists and Doctors Say?
Most dentists, doctors, and pharmacists advise against using toothpaste as a DIY cold sore remedy. Reasons include:
- Toothpaste is meant for cleaning teeth, not treating skin conditions.
- There are no studies proving toothpaste can treat cold sores.
- Toothpaste may contain harsh ingredients that further irritate the skin.
- Using toothpaste can delay healing and lead to bleeding, infections, and scarring.
- There are safer, more effective over-the-counter remedies specifically for cold sores.
Healthcare providers instead recommend prescription antiviral cold sore creams, OTC treatments, or natural remedies like ice packs and lemon balm. Most agree that toothpaste should be avoided as it could make matters worse.
Evidence-Based Ways to Treat a Cold Sore
While toothpaste is not recommended, there are evidence-based methods you can use at home to help get rid of a cold sore faster. These include:
1. Over-the-Counter Antiviral Creams
Antiviral creams containing ingredients like docosanol, benzyl alcohol, and penciclovir can reduce healing time by up to 50%. Apply as soon as you notice a cold sore forming several times a day.
2. Ice or Cold Compress
Applying ice or a cold compress to the area for 5-10 minutes several times a day can provide pain relief and prevent swelling and inflammation.
3. Avoid Acidic or Spicy Foods
Avoid foods that are very acidic or spicy, as they can further irritate and inflame the cold sore. Stick to cool, soft foods.
4. Petroleum Jelly
Dabbing petroleum jelly onto the cold sore can help keep it moisturized to prevent cracking. Try not to pick at scabs.
5. Hydrocolloid Bandage
Covering the cold sore with a hydrocolloid bandage helps protect it from bacteria and keeps it from spreading.
6. Licorice Root Gel
Gels containing glycyrrhizic acid from licorice root have antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties to help speed up healing.
7. Lemon Balm Cream
Lemon balm contains antiviral compounds like rosmarinic acid that can shorten healing time. Use creams with at least 1% lemon balm.
8. Limit Sun Exposure
Avoid too much sun, as UV radiation can trigger and reactivate HSV-1. Wear lip balm and creams with SPF 30+.
When to See a Doctor
In most cases, cold sores can be managed at home with self-care and OTC remedies. However, you may need medical treatment if:
- It is your first outbreak and you are unsure of the cause.
- The cold sore is very large, painful, or spreads rapidly.
- You have a weakened immune system.
- The cold sore has not begun to heal after 10 days.
- You experience symptoms like fever and swollen lymph nodes.
- You develop skin rash, eye redness/irritation or flu-like illness.
Your doctor can swab the sore, test for HSV, and prescribe an oral antiviral medication like acyclovir, famciclovir or valacyclovir if warranted. This can help reduce the severity and duration of outbreaks.
Prevention Tips
While not always possible to prevent cold sores entirely, you can lower your risk by:
- Using SPF 30+ lip balm when outdoors
- Taking L-lysine supplements
- Reducing stress through yoga, meditation, etc
- Not sharing food, drinks, towels or lip products
- Avoiding excessive sun, wind, cold exposure
- Treating cold sores promptly to limit viral shedding
- Keeping your immune system healthy through diet, exercise, sleep
Conclusion
While toothpaste may seem like an easy home remedy, there is no scientific proof it can treat cold sores effectively or safely. The ingredients in toothpaste could end up worsening cold sore pain, swelling, and healing time. It is best to avoid using toothpaste and try an antiviral OTC cold sore treatment instead. If the cold sore persists, fails to improve, or worsens, consult a doctor for evaluation and possible prescription medications. With proper treatment, most cold sores resolve within 7-10 days.