Taping your mouth while sleeping: Is the silence worth the risk?

We get it – snoring can rob you or your loved one of much-needed rest. And when we don’t get to recharge, we can become desperate for some relief. The latest internet trend suggests taping your mouth shut will silence snoring.

Keeping your mouth closed will force you to breathe through your nose and eliminate snoring. There are a lot of negative side effects that can come from mouth breathing, including:

• Dry mouth
• Cavities
• Gum disease
• Bad breath

Unlike breathing from your mouth, nose breathing filters dust and harmful allergens. While nose breathing may be the healthier alternative to mouth breathing and does help mitigate snoring, there’s a big “BUT” here. To date, all the reported benefits of mouth taping have not been extensively researched, so side effects have not yet been full studied. And, there are quite a few concerning health risks that are associated with the trend, including lip and skin irritation, disrupted sleep, and anxiety. It’s even been found to block airways when sleeping.

• Change your sleeping position. If you’re used to sleeping on your back, try sleeping on your side instead.
• Treat your allergies. If you have allergies, work with your physician to control symptoms. You might find that you can breathe a lot easier once your nose is no longer congested.
• Talk to your physician. If snoring is keeping you up at night, make sure you or your loved ones talk to a physician. There are many safe ways to treat snoring.

In a world of quick fixes and online hacks, it’s tempting to reach for that roll of tape. But remember, mouth-taping comes with risks. If snoring is disrupting your sleep, it might be time to consult a medical professional who can provide safe and effective solutions. Sleep soundly and always think twice before following the latest trend.