Can mouth taping reduce snoring and drooling?
Dr. Marashi says the answer is not black and white. “It helps in some cases because it keeps the mouth closed and encourages nasal breathing.”
“Sleeping with your mouth open during sleep can reduce airway stability and cause snoring. Sleeping with your mouth open also dries your mouth, increasing drooling and bacterial growth.”
Advantages and disadvantages
While taping your mouth may help people breathe through their noses, Dr. Marashi emphasizes that it doesn’t address the reason why people breathe through their mouths in the first place. “Potential benefits include promoting nasal breathing and helping to properly lubricate the mouth with saliva, which is essential for protecting teeth from cavities, periodontal disease, and bad breath.”
She also says, “The downside is that it doesn’t address the underlying cause… People with sleep apnea, chronic nasal congestion, breathing problems, or severe allergies should first consult their doctor. If you can’t breathe comfortably through your nose when you’re awake, taping your mouth is not a good idea.”
If you’re thinking of trying mouth tape, we recommend doing so with caution and only if you think you’re an ideal candidate. Keep scrolling to see some of the gentle, safe, facial-designed options below that are popular with shoppers.
