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HERPES AFFECTS TWO-THIRDS OF PEOPLE UNDER 50
Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is the virus that causes cold sores around the mouth. It is present in more than 3.7 billion people under the age of 50 according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Most people catch the virus in childhood and then get recurrent exacerbations. Herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) is most often associated with genital infections.
“We really need to accelerate the development of vaccines against herpes simplex virus, and if a vaccine designed to prevent HSV-2 infection also prevented HSV-1, it would have far-reaching benefits,” said Sami Gottlieb, a WHO medical officer.
In North American adults, the seroprevalence of HSV-1 is about 80%, while the seroprevalence for HSV-2 is about 20%. ​​The primary infection of HSV-1 is usually in childhood and the oral findings can affect anywhere in the mouth or lips. The onset is sudden and there can be a fever and painful ulcers. The symptoms usually resolve within 14 days, but it is contagious in the meantime.
In recurrent herpes infections in the mouth, patients can often sense that an outbreak is about to occur. Sometimes they feel a buzz, tingle, or electric sensation. The recurrent outbreaks usually occur on the lips.
What are the treatments? Antiviral therapy helps symptoms if it is prescribed early. If patients present several days into the illness, antivirals will not help much with the symptoms but will help stop the spread of the virus. ​​
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Gary R. Pearl, DMD, MAGD
Scott A Pearl, DMD, FAGD
Adam R Abel, DMD, MD
Gary R. Pearl, DMD, MAGD
Gary R. Pearl, DMD, MAGD, graduated from the University of Connecticut with a BS in Pharmacy and the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. He spent his general practice residency at Park City Hospital in Bridgeport, CT, and is a graduate of the Pankey Institute in Key Biscayne, FL. In 2005, he achieved the highest Academy of General Dentistry honor- Mastership (MAGD). Dr. Pearl is a member of the American Dental Association (ADA), American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Connecticut State Dental Association (CSDA), and the Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Pearl is an expert in many facets of dentistry is constantly advancing what dentistry can offer.
Scott A Pearl, DMD, FAGD
Scott A Pearl, DMD, FAGD, attended college at the University of Connecticut followed be earning a masters degree in Molecular and Cell Biology from Quinnipiac University. He graduated from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine and completed his residency training at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, NY. In 2021, Dr. Pearl became a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, a milestone reached by only six percent of dentists in the US. He is President of the New Haven Dental Association from 2024 to 2025 (Board Member since 2021), and a member of the American Academy of Facial Esthetics, American Dental Association and CT State Dental Association. His clinical interests include CEREC digital dentistry and implants.. He believes that quality dental care can profoundly affect patients’ physical and mental well-being.
View LinkedIn ProfileAdam R Abel, DMD, MD
Adam R Abel, DMD, MD, specializes in oral and maxillofacial surgery. He received his BS from Tufts University and his DMD from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. He then underwent specialty training in oral and maxillofacial surgery at the New York-Presbyterian Hospital Weill Cornell Medical Center. He earned an MD degree at Weill Cornell Medicine and completed extensive training in anesthesiology and general surgery. Dr. Abel also works in NYC and has a teaching position at Weill Cornell, where he also performs advanced jaw surgeries, including orthognathic surgery. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.