One expert suggests that mouth breathing may hinder the body’s ability to produce nitric oxide, primarily generated in the nasal passages. “Nitric oxide plays a role in regulating blood pressure and improving circulation. This can enhance heart health and lower blood pressure. Additionally, it helps regulate insulin, which impacts blood sugar levels,” she explains.
Why Is Mouth Breathing Considered Harmful?
Is mouth breathing really as harmful as some say? According to Ben Miraglia, an airway dentist and chief clinical officer, it’s worse than many people realize. “Mouth breathing is extremely unhealthy for anyone. There’s no level of mouth breathing that’s acceptable,” he states.
Mouth breathing can lead to problems with both sleep and general breathing. The nose is designed to filter out dust, allergens, and even tiny insects, providing the lungs and throat with warmer, more humid air. This isn’t something you get when breathing through your mouth. People who breathe this way are also at a higher risk of developing sleep disorders like sleep apnea—characterized by intermittent breathing interruptions during sleep.
Miraglia often treats children, focusing on airway issues more broadly, which includes bigger dental concerns. He views mouth breathing not just as a sleep-related issue but as a significant overall problem. While many are drawn to the topic due to sleep disturbances like snoring and apnea, the benefits of improved air quality during the night are definitely noteworthy.
Do Healthcare Professionals Endorse Mouth Taping?
If you’ve heard someone rave about mouth taping improving their sleep, you’re not alone. There’s a plethora of videos online showcasing different tapes used for this purpose. However, these anecdotes lack scientific backing. “Currently, there’s very limited clinical evidence supporting mouth tape for sleep disorders,” notes Benavides. He references a small study from 2022 involving 20 participants with mild sleep apnea. While some improvement was noted, it lacked a placebo comparison, making it hard to draw solid conclusions.
That said, mouth tape isn’t entirely out of the question. Benavides has found it beneficial for his obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients, especially those using nasal CPAP masks. “It may help reduce mouth air leaks during therapy and improve comfort and adherence. Some individuals have benefited from it,” he adds.
Is Using Mouth Tape Safe?
If you can comfortably breathe through your nose, using mouth tape is generally considered safe. The concern arises when attempting to use it as a solution for existing sleep disorders or breathing problems that may stem from nasal passages.
“Mouth tape can potentially be harmful for many individuals. For instance, those with moderate to severe sleep apnea could find their respiratory abilities further compromised. It’s especially risky for people with central sleep apnea—a distinct type of apnea. Additionally, individuals with impaired nasal breathing may face significant restrictions in airflow if they can’t breathe through their mouths,” warns Benavides.
