Mouth Taping: A Small Change with Tremendous Benefits
Why Mouth Taping?
Nasal or Mouth breathing – does it matter?
It is by design that our nose is for breathing, and our mouth is for eating and talking. During the day, we can easily control how we breathe, but when we sleep, that ability vanishes.
Mouth taping may sound unconventional, but it forces us to breathe through our nose while we sleep. This seemingly minor adjustment can have a profound impact on various physiological processes within our bodies.
Two of the most critical aspects of nasal breathing
Nasal breathing increases the production and absorption of Nitric Oxide (NO) which is a remarkable gas produced in various parts of the human body, including the sinuses. NO is a potent antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, and vasodilator substance. This molecule directly influences vital bodily processes such as inflammation, vasodilation, and neurotransmission. It’s especially crucial for the health of our blood vessels. Watch this short video to more fully understand the very crucial role Nitrc Oxide plays in your overall health – Play Video
Nasal breathing maintains the balance of Oxygen (O) and Carbon Dioxide (CO2). The balance between O2 and CO2 in our body is delicate and directly influenced by our breathing patterns. In our fast-paced modern lives, rapid, shallow breathing is all too common, causing an excessive loss of CO2 from our lungs and blood and reduction of Oxygen in cells.
There is more to mouth taping!
Mouth taping prevents specific oral health issues such as:-
- Dry Mouth – Proper nasal breathing helps maintain saliva production, reducing the discomfort of a dry mouth
- Bad Breath – By keeping your mouth closed during sleep, you can minimize the conditions that lead to morning breath
- Teeth Grinding – Nasal breathing can help reduce the likelihood of teeth grinding, preserving the integrity of your teeth
- Condition of Teeth and Gums – With the help of nasal breathing your oral health can thrive, leading to stronger teeth and healthier gums
Mouth taping alleviates general health problems such as:-
- Prevents snoring and sleep apnea
- Enhancing the quality of sleep
- Boosts brain function
- Improves overall health
Which tape is suitable for mouth taping?
The easiest tape to find and one that does not irritate the skin is 3M Micropore tape. It’s a standard medical or surgical tape that comes in a dispenser for easy use. Check your local chemist or Dis-Chem store.
The company, Somnifix, developed strips specifically designed for mouth taping, so they fit right over the lips. You also don’t have to worry about taking off skin when you peel them off because the glue has just the right amount of stickiness and leaves no residue behind.
In conclusion, mouth taping might seem like a small change, but, by ensuring nasal breathing, it can bring about tremendous benefits. This simple adjustment can boost the production and absorption of Nitric Oxide while maintaining the essential balance between oxygen and carbon dioxide in our bodies. It’s a practical and cost-free approach to improving sleep quality, preventing oral health issues and enhancing overall well-being.
So, consider trying it and experience the positive impact it can have on your health.