Cold Sores (Herpes Simplex) Policy

We know that cold sores can be unexpected, inconvenient and painful.

They are also highly contagious, and we must follow strict infection control guidelines to prevent the spread of the cold sore virus to both patients and staff.

The virus can be spread by direct contact or water droplets (aerosol) produced by our dental equipment. This may spread the virus to other areas of the face, including the eyes, which may cause serious complications.

Stretching the lips during treatment can cause the lesion to crack, bleed, and lead to secondary bacterial infections or scarring.

If your appointment is for anything other than an emergency, we may need to reschedule for another time when your cold sore has completely healed (typically 10-14 days).

We are grateful for your understanding and apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. If you have any queries, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.