An ulcer is a break in the moist lining, or mucous membrane, of the body, most often appearing as a small, painful lesion inside the mouth. These common oral sores, technically known as aphthous ulcers or canker sores, are not contagious and usually feature a white or yellowish center surrounded by a red, inflamed border. Applying salt directly to the raw tissue is a well-known home remedy. This method, however, is intensely painful and its effectiveness is often misunderstood.
The Direct Answer: Salt Application and Ulcer Healing
Putting plain salt directly onto an oral ulcer is strongly discouraged because it causes severe, immediate pain. This reaction occurs because the salt (sodium chloride) creates a highly concentrated, hypertonic solution on the exposed tissue. The osmotic effect aggressively draws water out of damaged cells, which is primarily irritating and distressing to the nerve endings.
While direct application hurts and provides no significant benefit to the healing timeline, a mild saline rinse is a widely recommended home remedy. Dissolving half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water creates a soothing, isotonic mouthwash. Swishing this solution helps to maintain a clean oral environment and reduce inflammation, which indirectly supports the body’s natural healing mechanisms. This rinse neutralizes the mouth’s acidity without the harsh, painful shock of concentrated salt.
Understanding the Types of Ulcers
The discussion of salt application generally pertains only to common aphthous ulcers inside the mouth. These oral lesions are typically categorized as minor, major, or herpetiform, with minor aphthous ulcers being the most frequent and usually healing within two weeks without scarring. This type of sore is distinct from other oral lesions, such as cold sores, which are caused by the herpes simplex virus.
Salt is not applicable or safe for all types of ulcers found on the body. Applying salt to skin ulcers, such as pressure sores or diabetic foot ulcers, is highly discouraged as it can cause tissue damage or introduce infection. Furthermore, salt has no therapeutic role in treating peptic ulcers, which are erosions in the lining of the stomach or duodenum. Attempting to self-treat any internal ulcer with salt is ineffective and potentially dangerous, emphasizing the need to identify the sore’s location and type before treatment.
Safe, Recommended Alternatives for Relief
Since most oral ulcers are self-limiting, the primary goal of treatment is to manage pain and discomfort until the sore heals naturally. Over-the-counter (OTC) topical anesthetic gels containing ingredients like benzocaine or lidocaine can be applied directly to the ulcer to temporarily numb the area before eating or speaking. Protective pastes that adhere to the moist tissue, such as those containing carboxymethylcellulose, can also cover the ulcer, shielding it from irritation caused by food or dental appliances.
Non-Medicinal Approaches
Several non-medicinal approaches can offer relief. Rinsing the mouth with a solution of baking soda, which is alkaline, can help neutralize aggravating acids. Dabbing milk of magnesia onto the ulcer a few times a day can also soothe irritation by coating the lesion. It is beneficial to avoid known triggers, such as sharp, spicy, or highly acidic foods like citrus fruits and tomatoes, which can sting and delay recovery.
When to See a Doctor
If an oral ulcer is unusually large, frequently recurring, or fails to heal completely within 10 to 14 days, consulting a healthcare professional is necessary to rule out underlying conditions.