Herpes: How to treat it fast

Jan. 28, 2025

As a virus, oral herpes tends to hide itself in places where it’s very difficult to treat. But you can take steps to make sure that the outbreak is from limited to none. Join the discussion in Medical History Mysteries.

Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, DMD

Tom Viola, RPh, CCP

My coresident in my residency always said, “Herpes gets the last laugh.” As dental professionals, we see herpes in our patients all the time, whether it’s on their lips or inside their mouth.

As a virus, herpes tends to hide itself in places where it’s very difficult to treat. But you can take steps to make sure that the outbreak is from limited to none.

Join us in Medical History Mysteries as we take a closer look at this incredibly painful condition.

Thumbnail background image © anayas / iStock / Getty Images Plus / © Dr_Microbe / iStock / Getty Images Plus

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Editor’s note: This article first appeared in Clinical Insights newsletter, a publication of the Endeavor Business Media Dental Group. Read more articles and subscribe.

About the Author

Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, DMD

Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, DMD, is the chief editor of DentistryIQ and editorial co-director of Through the Loupes. Based in Salem, Massachusetts, Dr. Maragliano-Muniz began her clinical career as a dental hygienist. She went on to attend Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, where she earned her doctorate in dental medicine. She then attended the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Dental Medicine, where she became board-certified in prosthodontics. Dr. Maragliano-Muniz owns a private practice, Salem Dental Arts, and lectures on a variety of clinical topics. You may contact her at [email protected].

About the Author

Tom Viola, RPh, CCP

With more than 30 years’ experience as a board-certified pharmacist, clinical educator, professional speaker, and published author, Tom Viola, RPh, CCP, has earned the reputation as the go-to specialist for making pharmacology practical and useful for dental teams. He is the founder of Pharmacology Declassified and is a member of the faculty of more than 10 dental professional degree programs. Viola has contributed to several professional journals and pharmacology textbooks, and currently serves as a consultant to the American Dental Association’s Council on Scientific Affairs.