With a little research you can find topical, medical and herbal treatments for canker sores, cold sores and mouth sores or simply for the herpes simplex virus. However, none of these treatments are cures, so the best ways to treat the symptoms of canker sores or cold sores are to avoid the cause.

Keep in mind that untreated cold sores will generally go away on their own in a couple of weeks or less. However, the sores can be extremely painful while they are around and they can be embarrassing. Topical and oral treatments are more concerned with alleviating pain and shortening the length of a cold sore outbreak.

The best treatment for cold sores is prevention. Here are a few preventative measures you can take to avoid the herpes simplex virus that cause different types of oral sores.

The first preventive measure is simple and obvious. If you don’t want to get cold sores then avoid contact with open sores. Do not make direct contact with the sores of someone who has an outbreak. Kissing, even casual kisses on the cheek can spread the virus.

Also, limit the chances of indirectly contracting the virus. Thoroughly wash items (cooking and eating utensils) in hot water. Do not share items with people infected with the herpes simplex virus.

Avoid oral sex when you or your partner has this condition. Unfortunately, both oral herpes and genital herpes can be passed from one person to another when there are no visible symptoms.

There are no guarantees, but these preventive measures may be the best treatment options for now, if you haven’t contracted it already.