Your lip health: care, cracks and when to get them checked

Updated on 6 March 2026 · by Clínica Dental Bizkaia

In short: lips are part of the mouth too and say things about your health. They dry and crack with cold, sun or from licking them; “angular cheilitis” appears at the corners; and cold sores are that classic that tingles before showing up. Almost all of it is managed with moisture and protection. And a golden rule: a lip lesion that doesn’t heal in 2-3 weeks is best checked.

Why they get so dry

Lips have almost no glands to oil or protect them, so cold, wind, sun and dehydration punish them quickly. And licking them, which seems to help, dries them out even more (saliva evaporates and takes the little moisture that was left). Simple fix: lip balm with sun protection and drinking water.

Angular cheilitis (cracks at the corners)

Those sores at the corners of the mouth that sting when you open it. They usually come from sustained moisture, fungus, a lack of certain vitamins or a bite that closes the lips too much. If they don’t go in a few days, have the dentist look: sometimes adjusting something in the mouth solves them.

Cold sores

The typical lip “flare-up”: it tingles or pulls, a little blister appears and it goes in a few days. It’s caused by a very common virus and tends to come back with sun, stress or a dip in defences. Don’t touch or burst it, and protect yourself from the sun, one of its triggers.

Protect them from the sun

The lip, especially the lower one, gets a lot of sun and we forget about it. Using lip protection all year round prevents drying and long-term problems. (And if you’re interested in the aesthetic side, we also do harmonisation with hyaluronic acid.)

When to see someone?

If a sore, mark, lump or hard area of the lip doesn’t heal in 2-3 weeks, have a dentist or your doctor look. It’s usually nothing, but that “weeks” rule is the one to always respect. (If you get ulcers or sores inside, that’s something else, usually mild.)

Got lips or corners that won’t quite heal? Come in and we’ll take a look; getting peace of mind is quick. The first visit is free: book an appointment.

Frequently asked questions

Why do my lips crack or get dry?

Usually from cold, wind, sun, dehydration or the habit of licking them (saliva dries them out even more). Lips have almost no glands to protect them, so they dry easily. A lip balm with protection and drinking water usually does the trick.

What are the cracks at the corners of the mouth?

They're called angular cheilitis: sores at the corners of the lips. They can be caused by sustained moisture, fungus, a lack of certain vitamins or a bite that closes the lips too much. If they don't go on their own, it's worth having the dentist look.

When should I worry about a lip lesion?

If a sore, mark, lump or hardened area of the lip doesn't heal in 2-3 weeks, it's worth having a dentist or your doctor check it, especially on the lower lip and if you get a lot of sun or smoke. Most are nothing, but those cases are checked to be safe.