Oral Herpes Transmission

So I've recently started seeing someone and he hasn't performed oral sex on me. He let me know that he gets cold sores on his mouth so he's concerned about performing oral. I don't really know much about this, so can someone with experience the the department let me know what the deal is? Should we avoid oral all together? Is it safe to do if he doesn't have a cold sore present at the time? Please only answer if you are basing it on personal experience or medical education. Thanks!

[Mistakeguy789]

Avoid oral sex anytime he has a cold sore or feels he may be developing one.  

There is a period where shedding occurs with no active systems.  This is a risk for oral sex being performed by him.  It is low but it can happen.  If he does have an outbreak you should wait until the skin is completely healed.