Oral Care: Taking Care of Chapped Lips

When most of us think about oral health, the first thing our minds jump to is our teeth. Of course, as your Springfield-neighborhood dental provider, we want you to pay close attention to the health of your teeth. However, there is another part of your oral health that is important to pay close attention to — your lips. Today, the expert team at Parkcrest Dental Group will share some ‘lip tips’ you should use to keep your puckers in tip-top shape.

Do You Have Chapped or Dry Lips?

Dry, chapped lips can be caused by environmental factors like temperature changes, wind exposure, sun exposure, and more. Chapping can also be health-related, or it can be due to simple factors like licking your lips too often. Regardless of how they occur, chapped lips are not only unsightly, they can be extremely uncomfortable. 

Luckily, chapped lips are completely treatable. With the right treatment and health practices you can achieve healthy lips.

Related Post: How Vitamin D Benefits Your Oral Health

Treating Your Chapped Lips

There are a few key steps to properly treat chapped lips. 

  • First, apply lip balm throughout the day. Lip balm provides a protective layer on top of the surface of your lips and shields them from the environment. Try to avoid lip balm with heavy flavors or cosmetic ingredients.
  • Second, ensure you are properly hydrated. Drink at least eight glasses of water per day and avoid drinks that can dehydrate you like alcohol. 
  • Third, avoid licking your lips. As your saliva evaporates, the natural moisture on your lips evaporates with it. 
  • Fourth, eat your vitamins! Vitamin A, B, C, B2, and E all help your body to naturally repair cracked, damaged lips. 
  • Lastly, bring up any oral health issues with your dentist. We are here to make sure your entire mouth is healthy, and we’re happy to help!

Related Post: How to Cope with Mouth Sores From Braces

Visit the Expert Team at Parkcrest Dental Group

Our dentists are dedicated to ensuring our patients have a beautiful, healthy smile. We will work to ensure you leave our office smiling! If you are looking for a dental office in Springfield, MO, we would love to have you. Schedule an appointment with one of our expert dentists online, or give us a call at 417-887-1220.

Meet Some Dentists in Springfield, MO

Dr. Stuart Scott (top left) is our pediatric dentist. He earned his degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry before completing a two-year residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.

Dr. Steven Harrison (top right) is board-certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. Dr. Harrison, our orthodontist, graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry. He’s been with Parkcrest Dental Group since 1986.

Dr. Chanin Ropka (center left) attended UMKC before joining the United States Navy, where she served as the only dentist on board the USS Germantown and at Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego. Dr. Ropka began at Parkcrest Dental in 2001.

Dr. Daniel Fannin (center right) graduated from UMKC School of Dentistry in 1997. He completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency in 1998 before joining Parkcrest Dental Group that same year.

Dr. Steven C. Sponenberg (bottom left) has been a Springfieldian his entire life. He graduated from Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha, Nebraska, in 2004 before joining Parkcrest Dental Group immediately after.

Dr. Jason Hall (bottom right) is also a native Springfieldian. He earned his DDS from the University of Missouri at Kansas City Dental School in 1997. He came to Parkcrest Dental Group in 2010. Dr. Hall’s father, Stan, is also a dentist.

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