Relief from Dry, Chapped, & Cracked Lips
Posted on June 13th, 2017
We’re no strangers to extreme temperatures and dry weather in Houston, and our lips are proof. Most of us experience chapped lips at some point during the year and it’s not uncommon to see lips that suffer from annoying, painful cracks. Here at Dassani Dentistry we are very much attuned the oral health needs of Houston, so here are a few tips from Dr. Meghna Dassani about how to keep your lips healthy, kissable, and free to eat and drink whatever you crave!
Do You Have Chapped or Cracked Lips?
If you have dry lips that are chapped, peeling, and/or cracked, you probably already know about it. However, here are some telltale signs:
- Sensitive or painful lips
- Smiling hurts
- You lick your lips often
- Your lips show clear signs of peeling or cracking
- You bleed from the corners of your mouth
- You have open sores or marks on your lips
How to Get Rid of Cracked Lips
Dry, chapped, and cracked lips can be caused environmental factors, such as climate change, sun damage, and wind exposure. Cracked lips can also be the result of skin disorders, side effects, and allergic reactions. Serious conditions such as Sjorgen’s Syndrome, diabetes, STI’s may also cause chronic dry lip problems.
If you are a Houston resident that is unaffected by the any of that stuff but still have chapped lips, it may due to dehydration, regular contact with lips from smoking, chewing, etc., spicy food, or poorly-fitted dental appliances.
Here are some tips Dr. Meghna Dassani for healing your cracked lips:
- Stay hydrated! Drink 8-10 glasses of water per day and be aware of anything else you drink that will dehydrate you, such as alcohol
- Use ointments often, especially before you go to bed. Avoid balms with eucalyptus and menthol
- Don’t lick your lips. As saliva evaporates on your lips, it actually removes moisture from them. Licking your lips makes often will dry out your lips even more.
- Don’t overuse commercial skin treatments such as heavily flavored lip balms and cosmetic makeup.
- Eat right! Diets lacking in Vitamins A, B, C, B2, and E can contribute to cracked lips
- Visit Dr. Meghna Dassani twice per year for your routine checkups and cleanings. If you are having issues with cracked lips, we can help you during your visits and make sure that you go home knowing how to keep your lips moist and healthy.
Call Dassani Dentistry to schedule an appointment today!
Sources
http://www.webmd.com/beauty/lips-smile/why-your-lips-are-chapped
http://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Painful-Cracked-Lips
About Meghna Dassani, DMD
Dr. Meghna Dassani received her initial dental training from the University of Mumbai, India, where she graduated in 1996 as Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS). After working as an associate for one year, she established her own practice in Mumbai, India. She successfully operated this practice for six years prior to moving to the US. When Dr. Meghna Dassani is not in the office she is at home being a mommy to her 2 beautiful girls and enjoying time relaxing with her husband. Since opening her own practice in 2011 she doesn’t have a lot of free time but when the time allows she enjoys traveling, reading, gardening, cooking, visiting with friends and family and of course SHOPPING with a Starbucks in her hand!
