Bedtime and morning routine biohacker brothers and crunchy moms Viruses like these have one thing in common: a piece of tape covering their mouths. This trend is bringing together the most unlikely health enthusiasts, even Joe Rogan Try the “cover your mouth” trend. But behind the ridiculous visuals of mouth tape are real health hacks. I know this because I’ve been following the lipstick trend for two years.
social media star Claimed Benefits of Mouth Tape This includes everything from reducing dry mouth to lowering blood pressure to a “maximized-looking” jawline. However, many sleep experts are quick to point out that evidence yes mixed Many of the claims on social media are extreme. But the buzz on social media is not without reason. this Negative Effects of Mouth Breathing yes We all know it: dry mouth, bad breath, fatigue, hoarseness, and even jaw development issues in children – just to name a few. The benefits of breathing through the nose include lowering blood pressure, so proponents of mouth-to-mouth breathing may have a point.
Two years ago, I started seeing these claims and decided to test the trend myself. I wasn’t trying to “beautify” my face or find a magic cure for high blood pressure. I just want a way to keep my mouth from opening when I sleep with braces on. The bad habit of clenching your teeth over the years means preventing tooth wear and protecting your jaw joint becomes a top priority. Waking up with a dry mouth while wearing a brace is unpleasant, but I also know it can cause oral health issues Such as the overgrowth of harmful bacteria and the ensuing plaque and cavities.
I have found that oral tape not only prevents dry mouth, but also reduces the bruxism (teeth grinding) I suffer from. Although Research is unclearIt is claimed that forcing mask wearers to breathe through their noses can improve bruxism, given its association with mouth breathing. However, my own experience is that forcing my jaw shut prevents the nasty overcompensation that occurs through a tight and clamped jaw—at least in the moments when my mouth isn’t open and dry. If you have ever read about jaw surgery for temporomandibular joint disease or treat When it comes to a cracked tooth, not to mention jaw pain from grinding, then you know why I’m so excited about pain relief.
As mouth straps become more widespread, there are now even special mouth strap products designed specifically to improve your night’s sleep. While these may be suitable for some sleepers, they may cost a dollar a night. some options That can add up to hundreds of dollars per year! Luckily, it’s safe for skin Surgical Microporous Tape The large box is $11 on Amazon.
If you’re as into the mouth-taping trend as I am, simply peel off a 1- to 2-inch piece of tape and apply it vertically or horizontally to clean, dry skin, covering your closed mouth. Remove the tape and readjust it as needed so it feels comfortable and prevents your mouth from opening when you relax your jaw. In the morning, just peel it off and throw it away. If you notice any skin irritation, apply a small amount of lotion or balm to the affected area. Despite all the social media and marketing noise, it’s actually not complicated!
Having said that, I am not an unqualified advocate of gagging. For people with sleep apnea or other breathing conditions, there are obvious risks to using tape to close one side of the airway during sleep. It’s worth noting that mouth tape is said to help Snoring, but depending on the cause of the snoring, it can also cause breathing problems. The only exception is those who use a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine at night to treat sleep apnea. As one of my family members who is notorious for snoring discovered, mouth tape can be used as an adjunct to CPAP to help breathe normally. He taped his mouth shut while using a CPAP nasal mask to keep his nasal passages ventilated. However, as with any airway disease, there is always a risk of blocking one side of the airway without the advice of a sleep specialist.
For me, the mouth-taping trend is groundbreaking and protects my jaw and teeth. Of course, no health tip or trend is a panacea for all ailments, and if the problem stems from your mouth, oral tape won’t fix it. underlying conditions Examples include a deviated septum or swollen tonsils. But when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep, it’s no surprise that biohackers and Make America Healthy Again moms are getting in on the action. Fortunately, there is room for mouth breathers across the country to participate, whether at camp or somewhere in between.
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Jordan Jantz is an assistant editor at IW Features and a freelance writer, editor, and website designer.
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