If you’ve ever had a cold sore, you’re not alone. A half million people get one every year. They are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Once you’re exposed to this virus, it can hide in the body for years. The virus can cause tiredness, muscle aches, a sore throat, enlarged and tender lymph nodes and cold sores. These sores or blisters are very contagious. They usually form on the lips. Sometimes the sores appear under the nose or under the chin. The sores heal in about 7 to 10 days without scarring.

What can trigger the virus?

• Getting too much sun
• Having mild fevers when you get a cold
• Being under stress

What can help you feel better?

• You can buy medicines at the drug store or grocery store to put on the cold sore that will help to numb the area and relieve the pain
• If cold sores are a problem for you, talk with your doctor or dentist about getting a prescription for an antiviral drug; it could help lower your chances of getting these kinds of viral infections

These common, but mostly harmless, sores appear inside your mouth as ulcers. They have a white or gray base and a red border. Canker sores tend to be tiny. They usually heal by themselves in one to three weeks.

They occur in women more often than men, usually during women’s periods. We don’t know why they appear. But some experts believe that problems with the immune system — the system in our bodies that fights disease — may be involved. Bacteria or viruses could also be involved.

What can increase your chances of getting canker sores?

• Feeling tired
• Feeling stressed
• Having allergies
• Having a cut inside your cheek or on your tongue

What can help you feel better?

• If you get a large sore (about ½ inch in size), you may need to be treated with medicine
• Stay away from hot and spicy foods
• Use mild mouthwashes or salt water rinses
• Dab the sore with a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water, or milk of magnesia.

We don’t know how to prevent canker sores. But if you get them often, tell your doctor, nurse or dentist what might be irritating your mouth.

These infections appear as red or white lesions, flat or slightly raised, in the mouth. They are common among denture wearers. They occur most often in people who are very young, elderly or who have a problem with their immune system (the system in our bodies that fights disease). People who have dry mouth syndrome are also very likely to get oral yeast infections.

What can prevent these infections?

• These infections can be prevented with good oral hygiene
• If you wear dentures, clean them and remove them at bedtime

Talk with your doctor or dentist about medicines that may be helpful if you have a problem with these infections.

This condition is common in many adults, especially as they age. It may make it hard to eat, swallow, taste and speak. It happens when your salivary glands don’t work right, often as a side effect from medicines or from other health problems. If left untreated, this lack of saliva can lead to cavities. It is saliva that helps get rid of bits of food in your mouth. Saliva also helps stop acid from forming plaque on your teeth.