{"id":19,"date":"2021-05-21T20:10:00","date_gmt":"2021-05-21T20:10:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rsqdental.com\/blog\/?p=19"},"modified":"2021-06-14T20:17:52","modified_gmt":"2021-06-14T20:17:52","slug":"protect-your-lips-from-the-sun","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rsqdental.com\/blog\/2021\/05\/21\/protect-your-lips-from-the-sun\/","title":{"rendered":"Keep Your Mouth Safe! Tips to Protect Your Lips from the Sun"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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During summer vacation, most people lather up with sunscreen before going out as a protective measure against sun damage. Unfortunately, lips are often forgotten about in this process, and it may surprise you to learn that they\u2019re just as susceptible to sunburns as other parts of your body. If you\u2019re not careful, damaged lips can put your dental health at risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your lips require extra care because the skin is thinner and contains less melanin, making it vulnerable to sun damage. Here are a few ways it affects oral health and tips on how to protect your lips from the sun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

How Do Lips Affect Oral Health?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Lips that are unshielded from the sun\u2019s harmful UV rays can leave you at an increased risk of sunburn and skin or oral cancer, especially on your lower lip because of its shape and angle to the sun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your lips are damaged due to sunburn, you may be more reluctant to follow your regular oral hygiene<\/a> regimen to avoid discomfort, and not sticking to your routine can put your dental health at risk. Additionally, mouth cancer can be life-threatening and spread to other parts of the body if not diagnosed and treated early. At each of your bi-annual checkups and cleanings, your dentist will conduct an oral cancer screening as an added preventive measure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Can I Protect My Lips from Sunburn?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You can prevent sunburn by wearing a hat, using sunscreen, and applying a moisturizing SPF lip balm. If you\u2019re going to be in direct sunlight for an extended period, opt for a lip sunscreen with an SPF 30+ rating and reapply frequently\u2014it will filter out dangerous UV rays and provide much-needed protection. It\u2019s best to try and avoid sunlight during peak hours (10:00 AM-3:00 PM standard time) to help minimize risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Are the Symptoms of Sunburned Lips?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your lips can quickly be affected by sun exposure because of how sensitive they are. Symptoms of sunburn may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n