Cold Sore Policy for Dental and Hygiene Appointments

At Shipston Dental Practice, patient safety and infection prevention are our top priorities. As part of our comprehensive Infection Prevention and Control protocols, we kindly ask that patients with a cold sore (caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus) for less than two weeks reschedule any non-emergency dental or hygiene treatments until the contagious period has passed.

Why Should I Reschedule My Appointment if I Have a Cold Sore?

Cold sores are common in the UK and are highly contagious. The Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) can easily spread to other areas of your face, including your eyes, and to others—including our dental team—during treatments. The virus is transmitted through direct contact with saliva or airborne droplets that may be generated during dental or hygiene procedures, such as aerosols. Protecting both yourself and others from the risk of infection is essential.

If you require urgent dental care and have an active cold sore, our clinicians will ensure the sore is appropriately protected with a cold sore plaster (which we can provide) to minimise the risk of cross-contamination.

Cold Sore Symptoms and Contagion Risk

Cold sores typically appear as small, ulcer-like blisters around the lip line or nose area. The infection can develop rapidly, often within hours, and may take anywhere from seven days to four weeks to fully heal, depending on the severity.

It’s important to note that cold sores are contagious from the moment they begin to emerge and remain so until they are fully healed, even if you feel more comfortable after using topical medications. This contagion risk makes it crucial to defer non-essential dental treatments during this time.