An ulcer is a small red lesion with a white centre. An ulcer is neither serious nor contagious, but its presence is unpleasant, since it is often cumbersome and painful. Generally, 7 to 10 days are sufficient to heal an ulcer.
By using several times a day a disinfectant rinse solution such as salt water, healing can be accelerated. We recommend one teaspoon of salt dissolved in one cup of lukewarm water.
The formation process of an ulcer is not well known, nor are the causes related to its outbreak. On the other hand, we now think that if you have one ulcer after another, then it must be a permanent virus in your system. This virus is in its latent state when all the system goes well; but any factor diminishing the response of the immune system, such as a fever or a long period of stress, may well awaken the virus and bring about lesions. Even if a virus is not present, it is possible to have an ulcer in the mouth. A simple irritation caused by sharp edges of food or even repetitive friction can bring about an ulcer. But in all cases, patience remains your best ally, and within a few days, nothing will show.
If there is no healing after 7 to 10 days or if the ulcer in painless, you are strongly recommended to consult your dentist.
