While most people primarily associate their dentists with teeth, these oral health professionals are also deeply concerned with the mouth’s soft tissues as well. The lips play an important role in keeping the teeth safe and hydrated, but the skin covering them contains very little melanin to protect them from the sun’s rays. Here’s what you should know about protecting your lips from sun damage so you can preserve your oral health and prevent serious problems like skin or oral cancer.
Why Are My Lips Vulnerable to Sun Damage?
While too much sun exposure is damaging to any area of the body, most of a person’s skin is protected by melanin or hair. Melanin is the substance that lends human skin its color and absorbs the sun’s rays to minimize the damage they do to the body’s tissues. Hair, on the other hand, shelters the skin from solar exposure while also insulating it from damage and cold temperatures. The lips have neither of these defenses, which leaves them more vulnerable to damage that can lead to serious issues like skin or oral cancer.
How Can I Protect My Lips?
Most beachgoers have gotten sunscreen on their lips at some point, and they will all tell you that it tastes unpleasant. Fortunately, many brands of lip balm are designed to provide protection from the sun. It’s best to choose a product that offers sun protection of at least SPF 30, which will filter out about 97% of the sun’s rays. These balms also usually contain moisturizer, which can help your lips stay healthy and prevent uncomfortable chapping. If you’re outside for extended periods, remember to reapply your SPF lip balm every two hours.
How Else Can I Keep My Lips Healthy?
While wearing SPF lip balm in the sun is a great way to help your lips stay healthy, there are other things you can do to protect them from injury. To help prevent your lips from chapping, drink plenty of water especially if you’re out in the sun for a long time. Picking at dry skin on your lips can cause injuries, so exfoliating them regularly can help them stay moist and comfortable. If you play sports, wearing an athletic mouthguard can prevent you from injuring your lips with your teeth.
Don’t let sun damage diminish the health of your smile. By taking the right precautions to protect your lips, you can keep them healthy for life.
About the Author
Dr. Shabnam Tehrani earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine at the University of Florida College of Dentistry and regularly continues her education with postgraduate coursework. She is also an active member of Tampa-area dental study clubs such as Spear and Pinnacle. Her office in Lutz offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. To learn more about protecting your lips, contact her office online or dial (813) 751-3044.