When you go for a dental exam and checkup, your dentist will examine every part of your mouth, including your lips. They may look for sores, bumps, and lesions that could be signs of oral cancer. As more and more dental offices offer cosmetic treatments, it's important to understand how to care for your lips and the aging process. Exfoliation is an essential part of any lip care routine.
As we age, our body's natural process of removing dead skin cells slows down, leading to a buildup of dry, flaky skin on the lips. Using a nutrient-rich lip scrub once or twice a week can help exfoliate the lips and speed up the process of shedding cells. Gently massage the scrub around the lips in small circular motions on the upper and lower lip to stimulate blood flow to the area. In some cases, swollen lips and dry mouth may be caused by a more serious problem such as a viral or fungal infection, allergy, autoimmune disorder, or tumor.
If symptoms persist and worsen for several weeks, it's best to make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. If you experience swollen lips after dental treatment, it's usually not a cause for concern but can be painful and irritating. Clean the area well, brush your teeth as usual, and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.