MOUTH TAPING – IS IT A GOOD IDEA?

Everyone knows that getting a good night’s sleep is an important pillar of a healthy lifestyle.  This has sparked a lot of interest on social media especially as to simple methods to improve our sleep by “treating” some of the causes of poor sleep. 

Alcohol consumption and obesity have been identified as major issues that need to be acknowledged, but what about the health and efficiency of our airways?

It has long been known that having clear and unobstructed airways are an important prerequisite to sleeping well and getting oxygen to the brain. 

Mouth taping has been pitched as a simple, cost effective so-called cure to mouth breathing whilst training the user to favour nose breathing which has benefits of humidifying and filtering the inhaled air.

Lack of evidence is the big issue here.  Not only from the perspective of whether mouth taping makes an improvement, but also as to whether it may cause harm.  If you suffer from obstructive sleep apnoea or significant nasal congestion, your blood oxygen levels could be compromised if you are mouth taping.

The Dental Profession has long had an interest in improving sleep health through the fitting of anti-snoring mouthguards, or MAS devices.  Even so it is critical to point out that if you are considering any type of management for bedtime breathing, from mouth taping to wearing an MAS guard, you NEED to see your GP first and get a referral to a sleep specialist who will be able to thoroughly assess your issues, the severity of your condition and what your treatment need are.

Be careful when it comes to following a social media trend. Come in and speak to your friendly Dentists at Brookfield Road Dental at Kenmore when you next have your check up or ask your GP.

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