Having a beautiful smile can go beyond just dental care. As we move through the colder months of the year, you need to protect your lips as well as your teeth to achieve that truly dazzling smile. One basic but important tip for winter mouth care is staying hydrated. Proper hydration contributes to healthy saliva production which in turn, leads to healthier gums and teeth. Saliva also helps wash away bacteria and debris inside the mouth, reducing the likelihood of cavities.
So, we need to stay hydrated to produce enough saliva to keep the inside of our mouth healthy, but what about the outside of our mouth? Unfortunately, saliva is more likely to hurt rather than help your lips. If someone licks their lips often, that saliva evaporates and dries out their lips in the process. Since our teeth need saliva and our lips don’t, our best option is to look for outside sources of hydration to keep them both happy.
Slate wants your mouth to look and feel healthy in every aspect so we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite lip balms for 2024! Great lip protection combined with a top-notch dental care routine is sure to lead you to your best smile yet.
Poppy & Pout Lip Balm: If your lips are sensitive to ingredients found in certain chapsticks then this could be a great alternative for you! Poppy and Pout lip balm is untinted and 100% natural. It was even featured on Oprah's Favorite Things in 2021!
Sin-Min Horchata Lip Balm: Looking for something creamy and delicious to keep your lips moisturized? Look no further! Another great, all-natural option, Sin-Min Horchata lip balm is designed to give you soft, cinnamony lips all day long.
Burt's Bees Lip Balm: It's a classic for a reason. With tinted, untinted, and personalized options, you can find any kind of lip balm you're looking for with Burt's Bees. If you buy a variety pack, you'll have enough for one in your car, your purse, nightstand, and medicine cabinet!
Glossier Balm Dot Com: Need something a bit thicker than a regular lip balm? Balm Dot Calm might be for you. Rather than a traditional chapstick tube, their specially-designed applicator allows you to apply a lot or a little with precision. Formulated with antioxidants and natural emollients, Balm Dot Calm nourishes dry, chapped lips and keeps them quenched for hours.
Dior Lip Glow Oil: If you’re headed for a night out and want something more than lip balm but higher quality than regular lip gloss, lip glow oil is your perfect option. Dior’s silky lip oil protects and enhances your lips while adding that extra touch of color.
LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask: Sometimes our lips need some extra love and what better way to give it than by investing in overnight lip care? This lip sleep mask offers 8 hours of intense hydration and nourishment for your lips. Wake up with smoother, softer lips to frame that beautiful smile.