Lip Tips for Winter Care
Winter’s coldest weather may not have hit yet, but lips need good care all year round. The thin skin of lips (which are without oil glands and other protective helpers) can be particularly hard hit by winter weather. When you think of an attractive smile in Cleveland, Texas, you know that good oral health is important, but the state of lip skin is another important factor. Chapped lips are not only unattractive, they are also uncomfortable, and when there is severe cracking, they can invite infection in as well.
Are Chapped Lips a Fact of Winter?
Chapped lips do not have to occur when the weather turns cold. In fact, it’s possible to get chapped lips from the summer sun, as well as the winter cold. For this December discussion, we will focus on factors that are particularly helpful in staving off winter chapping.
Help from the Outside
Covering lips with a protective layer of lip balm or chapstick is an easy protective step. Keep handy tubes in your coat pocket, purse or backpack. These products keep winter cold and wind away from delicate lip skin. Fabric can also protect lips, so wind a colorful scarf around your neck, or tuck a soft muffler or blanket around childrens’ lower faces when they are outside in cold weather.
Help from the Inside
Drinking plenty of water is vital to keeping your body hydrated. Not only do your organs need water to function well, but your skin needs water to stay plump and comfortable. As a caring dental office, we also know that drinking water has the additional benefit of rinsing food from teeth, and (if it’s tap water) it will add helpful fluoride for strong enamel, with every swallow.
Don’t Let Winter Weather Chap Your Smile
Good oral care extends beyond just brushing your teeth. Healthy lips are part of every healthy smile. Call our Cleveland Family Dentistry office in Cleveland, TX, today at (281) 592-1234. We proudly serve patients and their families from Cleveland, Kingwood, New Caney, Conroe, Livingston, Huffman, and all surrounding communities.