Robbie,

What you "probably" have is an apthous ulcer. These occur when your resistance is low and a virus that is already in your system takes hold and creates the ulcer. The fact that you came down with a cold makes it pretty likely that this is what it is. These ulcers usually last 10 days to 2 weeks if left untreated. You should find that it will continue to decrease in size and pain as the days go by. If you still have signs of it after 2 weeks, you should definately see a dentist.

Your oral surgeon would not have noticed anything on your lip, even if he checked, as you said the ulcer just started in the past week.

As far as dipping is concerned, there is no question as to what you should do about that. QUIT and if you need help, just visit the website of one of our members, Curtis. Go to www.outdoortexan.com and read about his cancer. This should help to motivate you. If that isn't enough, contact Curtis, he will help you.

If you find that the ulcer goes away and you keep getting them when your resistance is low, send me a personal email. I can go over some things that you can do that I tell my patients with the same problems to do.

Remember ...if it's still there after 2 weeks, go see a dentist. Also check out Curtis' website.

Jerry