Given that Australia has some of the highest UV levels in the world, applying sunscreen to your lips can be important in Australia. But how does the sun affect your mouth including teeth and gums and what can you do to enhance your oral health? 

Use this guide to understand how sun exposure affects your lips and mouth and learn a few easy ways to keep your overall oral health, healthy.

The Hidden Impact of Sun Exposure on Your Oral Health

From our lips to our gums, and even our teeth, excessive sun exposure and ultraviolet (UV) rays can have a range of impacts, some of which might surprise you. 

Here’s a breakdown of how sun exposure affects each part of your mouth and why sun protection is crucial.

Sun exposure on your lips

Our lips are one of the most vulnerable areas of the mouth when it comes to UV exposure. Unlike other parts of the body, they have minimal melanin, which means they lack natural UV protection. Without proper care, our lips may suffer from:

Sun exposure on your teeth

Indirectly, your teeth may be impacted by sun exposure and UV rays. Long-term sun exposure to your mouth may lead to:

Sun exposure on your gums

Just like your teeth, your gums are also prone to the effects of sun exposure and UV rays, but indirectly via the surrounding tissues lining the inner aspect of your mouth. This may lead to:

If you’ve experienced any of the issues mentioned, such as dry mouth, sunburned lips, or increased sensitivity in your teeth, it’s important to take action. Book a general consult with Smile Place today, where our experienced team can provide personalised guidance and solutions to protect your oral health. 

3 Ways To Protect Your Mouth From The Sun

1. Stay Hydrated

Ever wonder why staying hydrated is especially important in summer? Water not only keeps your body refreshed but also protects your mouth.
Heat can cause dehydration, reducing saliva production and allowing bacteria to thrive. Saliva helps wash away food debris, balance acidity, and lower the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
To maintain a healthy mouth in warmer weather, drink 2–3 litres of water daily to stay hydrated and prevent a dry mouth. For an extra boost, chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva and keep your mouth moist.

2. SPF Lip Balm
Do you apply sunscreen on your body and face but tend to forget about your lips? You’re not alone and your lips are especially vulnerable to sunburn.
This makes them prone to dryness, cracking, and even serious conditions like actinic cheilitis, a potential precursor to skin cancer.
Protect your lips with an SPF lip balm (SPF 15 or higher). Apply before going out and reapply every couple of hours, especially after swimming or sweating. It helps prevent sunburn, cracking, and discomfort, keeping your lips healthy and hydrated. A little care goes a long way!

3. Don’t Forget a Hat!

Ever thought about adding a hat to your sun protection routine for your lips and mouth? Using umbrellas, wide-brimmed hats, and staying in the shade, especially between 10 am and 4 pm when UV levels peak, can provide effective sun protection.
Schedule outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon to avoid the sun’s intensity. Alongside reapplying sunscreen every two hours (or hourly if swimming), physical barriers like hats and shade are essential.

These simple lifestyle changes can safeguard your lips and mouth while reducing the risk of sun-related oral health issues.

The Bright Side: How Vitamin D Can Benefit Your Lips

While excessive sun can lead to sunburned lips and other oral health issues, moderate sun exposure can be beneficial. 

So, is sun exposure entirely bad for your mouth? Not necessarily! Sunshine is an important source of Vitamin D, which plays a big role in supporting oral health. Vitamin D helps keep our skin strong, supports healthy gum tissue, and may boost cell regeneration for the skin on your lips.

Here’s the key: a balanced exposure of Vitamin D.  

Short periods of sun exposure, like 10-15 minutes a few times a week, are usually enough to help your body produce Vitamin D without risking too much UV damage. 

This way, you get the benefits of sunlight without exposing your lips and gums to excessive harm. Remember, a little sun is helpful, but too much can lead to the issues we’ve discussed.

Protecting Your Oral Health from Sun Damage

Exposure to the scorching sun increases the risk of dry mouth, sunburnt lips, and even oral cancers, making it essential to stay proactive in protecting your oral health.

To enhance your oral health, consider applying a lip balm with an SPF of at least 15, staying consistently hydrated, and wearing a wide-brimmed hat. These simple steps can go a long way in shielding your lips and mouth from the harmful effects of the sun.

Want to start prioritising sun protection when it comes to your oral health? Schedule a general consultation here at Smile Place to receive individualised recommendations on ways to protect your lips and mouth from the sun.

FAQs 

• How does Australia’s sun impact oral health?
  The extreme UV levels in Australia can make us more prone to sunburned lips, dry mouth, and even oral cancer. Protecting your oral health is essential and one approach to do that is through using SPF lip balm, staying hydrated, and seeking shade during peak sun hours.
• What are the best ways to prevent dry mouth in the heat?
  Drink plenty of water, especially if you are outside or exercising under the hot sun. Alternatively, you can consider chewing sugar-free gum, which can help induce saliva production and prevent dry mouth.
• How often should I reapply SPF lip balm?
  Reapply SPF lip balm every two hours, or more often if you are swimming or sweating, to ensure ongoing sun protection.
• Can dehydration affect my gums?
  Dehydration may lead to less saliva, which raises the bacteria levels in your mouth resulting in gum disease and bad breath.

• Is it ever too late to protect my mouth from sun exposure?
  Absolutely not. Using sunscreen at any point will lower your chances of damage to your lips and oral health, making it a positive difference at any age.
  Consult with Smile Place to learn more about how you can enhance your oral health from the harmful effects of the sun. We’re here to guide you on the best practices for sun protection and help keep your smile healthy for years to come.