Cracks at the corners of your mouth: angular cheilitis
At Aspen Dental, we know how frustrating it can be when the corners of your mouth feel sore, cracked or scaly. Everyday things—like sipping coffee, smiling or brushing your teeth—suddenly hurt. That painful cracking has a name: angular cheilitis. The good news? It’s common, very treatable and with the right care, you can heal and prevent it from coming back.
What is angular cheilitis?
Angular cheilitis is irritation and inflammation where your upper and lower lips meet—the folds at each corner of your mouth. It can affect one side or both. The skin may feel dry, tight, itchy or tender. Sometimes, a mild infection sets in and slows healing.
How it looks and feels
People often notice:
Redness or darkening at one or both corners of the mouth
Thin cracks or deeper splits that may bleed when you yawn or eat
Dry, flaky skin or a soft, white appearance from excess moisture
A burning or stinging feeling when the area stretches
What causes angular cheilitis or cracked lip corners?
Fungal and bacterial infections are the most common causes of angular cheilitis. Often, saliva collects at the corners of the mouth, dries out the skin and creates tiny cracks where germs can enter. Other factors include:
Dentures that don’t fit well
Drooling during sleep
Atopic dermatitis or eczema
Yeast infections in the mouth (oral thrush)
Misaligned teeth or bite problems
Chronic conditions such as diabetes or inflammatory bowel disease
Wearing a face mask for long periods
Skin allergies
Deficiencies in vitamin B, iron or protein
Symptoms of angular cheilitis and when to get help
Common symptoms include:
Tightness or soreness when opening your mouth wide
Dry, peeling skin at one or both corners
A faint red or pale rim that stings with spicy or acidic foods
Call Aspen Dental if you notice:
Symptoms lasting longer than two weeks or coming back often
Pain, swelling, bleeding, pus or bad odor
Trouble opening your mouth or eating because of pain
Dentures that feel loose, rub or make chewing difficult
You don’t have to live with discomfort. Schedule an appointment at Aspen Dental today.
Angular cheilitis vs. cold sores
It’s easy to mistake angular cheilitis for cold sores. Here’s how they differ:
Location: Angular cheilitis affects the corners of the mouth. Cold sores (from the herpes simplex virus) usually form on the lip border or nearby skin.
Look and feel: Angular cheilitis shows up as cracks, redness and soreness. Cold sores often tingle, then form clusters of blisters that crust as they heal.
Contagiousness: Angular cheilitis isn’t usually contagious. Cold sores are contagious during outbreaks.
If you’re unsure, your Aspen Dental team can diagnose the problem and guide you to the right treatment.
How to treat angular cheilitis
Treatment focuses on soothing irritation, clearing infection and supporting healing. Many cases improve with simple steps, while chronic cases may need prescription care or dental adjustments.
Simple steps at home
Clean and dry: Gently rinse with lukewarm water twice a day and pat dry.
Barrier care: Apply a thin layer of a lip-safe barrier (like petroleum jelly or zinc oxide) after meals and before bed.
Hands off: Avoid peeling or picking scabs—let the skin repair itself.
Over-the-counter options
Antifungal cream: If yeast is suspected, a short course of clotrimazole or miconazole may help.
Hydrocortisone (with caution): A 1% cream can calm irritation for a day or two but avoid long-term use unless directed by a provider.
Lip care upgrades: Choose simple, fragrance-free balms with petrolatum, ceramides or dimethicone.
Prescription care
If OTC options don’t help, your dentist or doctor may prescribe:
Antifungal and/or antibiotic creams for infection
Short courses of topical anti-inflammatories for stubborn irritation
Guidance on supplements if iron or vitamin deficiencies are present
Denture and bite solutions
Dental issues can worsen angular cheilitis. Aspen Dental can help with:
Denture reline or repair: Improves fit and reduces saliva pooling
Replacing missing teeth: Restores lip support and eases skin folds
Hygiene coaching: Helps maintain clean dentures and balanced oral microbes
How can you prevent angular cheilitis
Daily habits
Keep corners dry, then protect: After meals, brushing or mask use, gently blot corners and apply a thin protective barrier.
Avoid irritants: Skip licking, flavored lip balms and harsh scrubs. Use gentle, fragrance-free products.
Refresh your routine: Change disposable masks often and consider a humidifier at night if the air is dry.
Lip care dos and don’ts
Do: Use balms with petrolatum, ceramides or dimethicone
Don’t: Pick, peel or scrub the corners
Do: Apply a barrier after meals and at bedtime
Don’t: Share lip products during irritation
Nutrition and hydration
Eat well and hydrate: A balanced diet supports healing skin.
Ask about testing: Check for iron or B vitamin deficiencies if symptoms persist.
Mind your medicines: Share your medication list with your Aspen Dental care team—they can coordinate with your doctor if needed.
Angular cheilitis FAQs
Will angular cheilitis go away on its own?
Sometimes mild cases heal with gentle care—keeping the corners dry, applying a barrier and avoiding licking or picking. If it doesn’t improve within 7–14 days or keeps coming back, schedule a visit at Aspen Dental.
Is it contagious?
Angular cheilitis usually isn’t contagious. Cold sores, which can look similar, are contagious. If you’re unsure, your dentist at Aspen Dental can help distinguish between them.
What is the best cream for angular cheilitis?
Start with a barrier ointment like petroleum jelly or zinc oxide. If yeast is involved, an OTC antifungal such as clotrimazole can help. A short course of 1% hydrocortisone may calm irritation but always check with a provider before using it long-term.
How long does angular cheilitis or cracked lip corners take to heal?
With simple care, most cases improve in 1–2 weeks. Persistent or recurrent cases may need prescription creams or denture adjustments.
Is angular cheilitis a fungal infection?
Not always. Fungal infections (usually Candida yeast) are common, but bacteria, nutritional deficiencies or irritation can also play a role.
Do antibiotics help angular cheilitis?
Only if bacteria are the cause. Many cases respond better to antifungal care plus barrier protection. See a provider before using antibiotic creams.
Can lipstick or lip balm make angular cheilitis worse?
Yes—especially those with flavors, fragrance, menthol or cinnamon. Choose plain, fragrance-free products with petrolatum or ceramides. Don’t share lip products while irritated.
Can braces, clear aligners or CPAP contribute to angular cheilitis?
They can. Braces and aligners may increase lip licking or drooling, while CPAP masks can leave corners damp. After use, blot the area, apply a barrier and adjust the fit with your orthodontist or sleep specialist if needed.
Can kids or older adults get it?
Yes. Children who drool or lick their lips and older adults with dentures or dry skin are more prone to angular cheilitis. The same gentle care and prevention steps apply.