What’s all the hype about using Mouth Tape?

If you haven’t heard… there is quite a buzz on the internet about the benefits of mouth taping.

Although it may sound a little unnerving to tape your own mouth closed at night, the outstanding benefits that people are raving about just can’t be overlooked!

Why use Mouth Tape?

To Reduce Snoring

A study on mouth taping for people with mild obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and habitual open mouth breathing (OMB) concluded that mouth taping “is a very useful device to treat patients with mild OSA and habitual OMB”[1].

The study cited above found that mouth taping actually increased the volume of space behind the tongue and palate. That translates to a larger airway and increased efficiency in airflow to the body!

To Encourage Nasal Breathing

Taping your mouth closed before hopping into bed encourages a person to breathe exclusively through their nose at night. Nasal breathing is very important for overall health because it is the way that your body produces an extremely important hormone called Nitric Oxide. Unfortunately, this article isn’t the focus of the long list of amazing benefits to your overall health Nitric Oxide offers, but suffice it to say…

If you want the best health possible, make sure you breathe through your nose almost 100% of the time, day and night!

Nasal breathing is important to:

• produce nitric oxide
• filter the air of allergens
• add resistance that benefits lung volume
• warms the air
• humidifies the air
• regulate oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange in the body

To Reduce the Negative Effects of Mouth Breathing

People may not realize how great of an impact mouth breathing can have on an individual. The following symptoms are thought to be related to mouth breathing:

• Long face syndrome
• underdeveloped dental arches
• weak chin
• sleep breathing ailment such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
• attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD / ADHD)
• stunted/slow growth in children[2]
• dental cavities
• periodontal (gum) disease
• bad breath[3], [4]
• dry mouth
• decreased cognitive ability[5]

What you may experience with Mouth Taping

Mouth tape will gently hold your lips together while you sleep. This will increase nasal breathing, regulate airflow and possibly promote a more restful and restorative night sleep.

Once people get used to it, they generally report loving the daytime effects they experience from enjoying an enhanced quality of sleep.

Risks of Mouth Taping

Individuals that have obstructed nasal passages should use caution, as mouth taping could cause a decrease in airflow. Dr. Azouz recommends a nasal hygiene protocol to support clearance and maximize the opening of the nasal passages in order to enhance nighttime nasal breathing, if possible.

People may also experience irritation or an allergic reaction to the tape’s adhesive.

Why choose the Mouth Tape at Sacramento Natural Dentistry?

Dr. Azouz has chosen the most biocompatible mouth tape on the market to carry in his office. Some of the Mouth Tape’s attributes include:

• It uses latex-free medical-grade adhesive
• It stays on firmly and even adheres to facial hair
• It can be removed gently from the skin for facial hair
• It is made of a flexible fabric that is so comfortable you may forget that it is on!
• It is 40% larger than other brands

Benefits you may experience from Mouth Taping

• Reduced snoring
• Reduced morning headaches
• Reduced daytime fatigue
• Reduced bad breath
• Reduced dental decay
• Reduced mouth breathing
• Reduced CPAP leaks
• Reduced dry mouth
• Increased sleep quality
• Increased immune strength
• Increased energy
• Increased focus
• Increased motivation

Dr. Azouz would love to answer any of your questions about all the benefits of Mouth Taping at our Citrus Heights office. Give us a call at 916-961-2020 to make an appointment today at Sacramento Natural Dentistry.

This content is not intended to replace any professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always take the advice of your physician or some other qualified health provider with any queries you may have regarding a medical condition or starting a new health regimen.