TikTok has become an incredible tool that’s being used as an educational platform about everything from hair care to animal care to even medical care. The problem: not everyone doing the educating is actually educated or qualified to be educating the public. Not to mention, with the way things quickly go viral on the platform, once something has traction, it can be hard to stop even if it’s unsafe and a terrible idea; like this latest fad called #mouthtaping.
#Mouthtape for sleep is trending on TikTok with 38.5 million views, accompanied by videos of people with tape over their mouths as they prepare to go to bed. Users are sharing videos of themselves using a variety of different types and strengths of tapes to tape over their lips to keep their mouth shut as they sleep. Users are “claiming” this increases their ability to breathe through their nose throughout the night, reduces snoring, lowers their risk of cavities, and even gives them better breath in the morning. Although there is no medical evidence to support these claims.
If you’re struggling with mouth breathing, it’s important to get to the root of the issue and not just mask symptoms by placing tape over your mouth each night. Mouth breathing can be a big indicator of sleep apnea. Which is a dangerous condition when left untreated and undiagnosed. Obstructive sleep apnea happens when the muscles that support the soft tissues in your throat temporarily relax. When these muscles relax, your airway is narrowed or blocked off, and breathing is momentarily cut off.
If you’re struggling to breathe at night and gasping for air due to sleep apnea, having your mouth taped shut is not a safe way to cope with the condition. In fact, it could be downright dangerous. Instead, make an appointment with your doctor or your dentist (yes, they can help treat sleep apnea, too!).
Contrary to popular belief, CPAP is not the only way to treat sleep apnea. Dr. Davey and his team have successfully been treating sleep apnea patients with a device similar to a mouth guard that positions the jaw in a forward approach ensuring air flow through the night is not obstructed by soft tissue. There are no cords, loud machines or plugging in necessary. Just a device that is custom-fit for your mouth.
To learn more about sleep apnea and our approach to treatment, call the office at 858-538-8300 or schedule an appointment online.
