Nov
30
Your lips are the frame that surrounds your smile! Dry air, colder temperatures and harsh weather can make winter a tough time for your lips. Dry cracked lips often begin when the heat comes on indoors, a drastic temperature change from outside, and can last all winter. As a common place for cold sores to originate, there’s never a better time to take steps to maintain a healthy, protected smile than during these chilly months.
Do more than just moisten lips, protect them too! It’s important to choose a lip balm that offers not only moisture but also SPF. While a basic lip treatment can help with chapped lips, you should always both treat AND prevent future damage by selecting a balm that can block harmful UV rays. The lower lip is a common place for oral cancer to occur and SPF of 15 or above is as important on the ski slopes as it is on the beach.
Remember to hydrate internally too. Along with keeping lip balm handy, staying hydrated is also key for healthy lips. Remember to drink several glasses of water per day even in the winter months. Choosing fresh fruits including apples will not only help to keep lips from drying but these great options are perfect to stimulate saliva production and minimize bacteria in your mouth as well!
Beautiful lip color does not mean your lips are protected. Most basic lipsticks do not offer the kind of protection your lips demand in the winter so we recommend starting with a moisture-rich lip treatment or applying a good lip balm on top of your lipstick of choice. The key is to work it into your beauty routine so it is done daily!
Who would know more about healthy, beautiful lips than a dentist? Maintaining good oral health includes everything from gum care to teeth cleaning to oral cancer prevention to lip protection. By visiting your Boston dentist regularly and keeping these tips in mind, you can have a complete beautiful, healthy winter smile all season long!
Dental Health and Wellness Boston – Your Boston Dentist for Complete Oral Care
