The truth that lies behind the trend of ticking viral mouth – can it really solve snoring and contour jaws?

Question: Hello Dr Zac, I will be the first to admit that I spend a lot of time moving tiktok – lately, my fype (for your site) is full of people running for touching your mouth. I know that nasal brereath is supposed to be better for filtering air, but some influenza claims to also help with dry mouth, bad breath, scramble, tooth chips and even the definition of jaws. The idea of ​​touching my mouth shut night makes me nervous. What if my nose is blocked and can’t breathe? Also, I remember hearing as a kid we swallow mistakes in our sleep – so wouldn’t that mouth tape stop? Or is it all that complete one just one myth? I would like to know if the mouth tapping is actually safe and if you live up to the hype. – Rochelle, 31, Gosford, NSW

Reply: If you are inhaled in the swirl of Tiktok’s trends, welcome to the club. I have also seen the craze touching your mouth, and it is difficult not to take plot. Influencers make it sound like a magical adjustment for everything: snoring? Escape bad breath? Is resolved. Tooth excavation? Don’t say anymore. Even the definition of the jaw? Why worry about the contour of Kim Kardashian when you have a cassette?

But let’s get real for a second – by pressing your mouth closed while sleeping … well, a little unheard of. What if your nose is blocked? So we really swallow mistakes in our sleep, and would the tapes save us from this nightmare fuel?

Let’s dig what the fact is, what is fiction and if this tiktok trend is worth your time – or your tape.

Why are everyone fixed after nasal breathing

Breathing through your nose is a kind like first grade update on a flight: it’s just better. Your nose is a superhero filters with many tasks, warms and moistens the air before hitting your lungs. Bonus? It produces nitric oxide, a molecule that increases oxygen intake and has antimicrobial properties.

Breathing in the mouth, on the other hand, is like a flying economy in a budget airline. Of course, she does the job, but passes the fancy tracks.

Chronic mouth breathing can lead to dry mouth, bad breath, interrupted sleep and even higher risks of infections.

When you sleep, your body is in autopilot, and if you are breathtaking your mouth, you miss those nasal leaves. Chronic mouth breathing is also associated with snoring, sleep apnea and even changes in facial structure over time.

Research published in Reviews of Sleep Medicine It emphasizes how nasal breathing improves oxygen exchange and reduces sleep disruptions. Similarly, studies in Clinical Sleep Medical Newspaper Support the importance of nasal breathing to reduce risks such as obstructive sleep apnea.

The big idea after touching the mouth

The trend of tapping the mouth pretends to pull your body back into the nasal nasal brareing from – quite literally – sealing the deal. It is supposed to prevent you from stepping through your mouth, helping you wake up refreshing and, apparently, more attractive (jawline goals, someone?)

But is it safe? And does it actually work?

The good, the bad and the contagious

Let’s start with good: encouraging nasal breathing is a worthy purpose. Research shows that nasal breathing improves oxygenation, reducing snoring and may even make you feel more graceful. So in theory, touching the mouth can help – if you are already capable of eroding through the nose.

But here is the contagious part: if your nose is compressed or you have a structural issue as a deviated septum, mouth tapping can lead to series problems. Imagine waking up in the middle of the night unable to breathe. Not exactly the beauty sleep you were hoping for.

There is also the potential for skin irritation. Not all tapes are freezing of the skin, and waking up with a race around your mouth is not hardly vibe Glamorus tiktok we are leaving.

And for those mistakes? The idea we swallow spiders in our sleep is a total myth. No self-respecting spider is crawling in a warm and snoring mouth.

So while the tape can help you sleep with the peace of mind, it is not saving you from an eight -length midnight snack.

Best (and safer) ways to promote nasal breathing

If you are tempted by the touch of your mouth but you are not the idea of ​​turning your face into a project of arts and crafts, don’t worry-there is other ways to improve your nose creation.

Clean your nose

Nose -filled noses are the enemy of nasal breaking, but forcing pressure to your noses all the time to clean them can sometimes worsen things. Can compact an already tough area. Instead, or along with this, consider using a net or similar pot. These tools allow water to flow gently from one nose through the sinuses and the other nose. It can feel a little strange when you feel the water circulating, but it is a gentle way to move things without pushing and quenching that can happen when you are blocked and constantly inhaled. Studies Respiratory have demonstrated the benefits of creation for cleaning sinus blockages safely and effectively.

Strengthen your respiratory muscles

Ever heard of myofunctional therapy? Basically it is physical therapy for your face.

These exercises strengthen your tongue and respiratory muscles, which can help you keep your breathing on the right track.

explore European respiratory magazine It points out the potential of myofunctional therapy to support the health of the airways and reduce snoring.

Turn on your sleeping position

Back of back is more likely to breathe out of the mouth.

Try sleeping on your side to encourage nasal breathing. But be careful how you position yourself-if you face plants on your pillow all night, you are not giving your body the opening you need.

Putting a pillow between your feet and hugging another pillow can help your body feel more open, improve circulation and even reduce wrinkles.

When your body is connected, your breathing can improve meaning.

Practice makes it perfect

You do not need to go directly to press your closed mouth at night. Like any type of training, it is best to ease it.

Start with practice by touching your mouth during the day while doing safe, low -risk activities, such as driving or relaxing at home.

It helps you get used to the feeling and makes sure you can still pass smooth through your nose.

Cassette

I always carry with me a little microphore tape.

When using tape for your mouth, paint a small amount and glue it to your palm several times first to reduce adhesion. This makes it softer on your lips, which are very sensitive.

Remember, many parts of our body need time to fit the new things, so go slowly and get easily. It’s not a race.

Check for structural issues

If you have a deviant septum or other anatomical problems, no amount of tape will fix it. See an ENT specialist (ear, nose, throat) to discuss solutions such as surgery or other treatments.

Teach your children (and maybe your parents)

Breathing in the mouth is not just a problem of adults. Children who breathe orally can develop dental issues or sleep disturbances, and older adults can fight due to age -related changes. Encourage good nose hygiene for everyone in the family.

Should you try it?

So whether for tape or not for tape? Touching the mouth is not essentially dangerous, but there is not enough scientific evidence to support the suggested benefits, so most doctors will not recommend it, especially when there are other proven solutions there.

If you have a nose block, sleep apnea or a general feeling of worry to press your closed mouth, I would recommend giving you a passage.

After all, the goal is to promote healthy, natural nose breathing – and there are completely ways to achieve it without being used in the latest Tiktok trend.