People say 'mouth taping' can put an end to snoring and bad breath

People are taping their mouth shut at night as part of the latest health trend doing the rounds. Many claim it helps them sleep better and avoid snoring during the night.

The process involves using a specific type of tape to cover both the upper and lower lips before bedtime, making it difficult to open the mouth. Medical expert Dr Jess Andrade, known as @DoctorJesss on TikTok, explained that 'mouth taping' is designed to "promote breathing through your nose while you sleep", rather than through your mouth.

The goal is to enhance sleep quality and tackle the perennial issue of snoring. It is also claimed to help prevent bad breath.

However, the paediatric doctor emphasised that this technique is not suitable for everyone. She advised against trying it if you have any pre-existing respiratory conditions or feel anxious about the idea without first consulting a medical professional, reports the Mirror.

Snoring is caused by the rattling and vibration of tissues near the airway at the back of the throat. During sleep, these muscles relax, causing the airway to narrow. The act of breathing in and out can cause the tissues in the throat to vibrate, producing the sound we know as snoring.

Some individuals are more susceptible to this due to the size and shape of their neck muscles and tissues. In other instances, excessive relaxation of the tissue or constriction of the airway can result in snoring.

The NHS identifies obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) as a condition that can cause nocturnal breathing difficulties. This fairly common condition occurs when the throat walls relax and narrow or close during sleep, disrupting normal breathing patterns. This disruption can lead to fragmented sleep, which can significantly affect your