STOP SNORING WITH … MOUTH TAPE? THE PROBLEM WITH THIS TIKTOK TREND
In 2019, the founders of a company called SomniFix strolled onto the screen of the reality TV show “Shark Tank” — and a TikTok trend was born. SomniFix makes a product called “Mouth Strips,” which the company describes as a skin-safe adhesive that holds your mouth shut while you sleep. According to the company’s website, the product is supposed to reduce snoring, help people with sleep apnea use their continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines correctly, boost sleep quality, and encourage breathing through the nose instead of just the mouth. Mark Burhenne, D.D.S., wrote about this on Ask the Dentist. “If you’re breathing through your mouth while you sleep at night, it’s a big deal,” he explained. “Not only does it reduce the quality of your sleep, but it disrupts the balance of your oral microbiome and makes you more
prone to tooth decay.” Burhenne has legitimate concerns in regard to mouth breathing, but does that mean mouth taping is the answer? The Cleveland Clinic sheds some light on this topic by saying that nose breathing while you sleep is vital for preventing dry mouth and sore throat, lowering blood pressure, keeping airborne allergens out of your body, and avoiding bad breath. Unfortunately, the Cleveland Clinic also explains that only a few small studies of 10–36 patients each have explored the effectiveness of mouth taping, and those studies had mixed results. The clinic quoted a sleep medicine specialist, Dr. Cinthya Pena Orbea. “Most of the evidence is anecdotal,” she said. “There is not strong enough evidence to support that mouth tape is beneficial. Mouth taping is not part of our current practice to treat any sleep disorder. Nonetheless, in patients with sleep apnea, we may
recommend mouth taping or to wear a chin strap to decrease an air leak while you’re using a CPAP machine at night.” If you’re struggling with mouth breathing, sleep apnea, or snoring while you slumber, don’t jump straight to a mouth tape like SomniFix or Hostage Tape (yes, that’s really the name) as a quick fix. Instead of trusting TikTok, visit your dentist or doctor to share your concerns. They can help you identify the actual cause of your issue and address it instead of taping over it.
Does Candy Really Cause Tooth Decay?
THE REAL CULPRITS OF CAVITIES REVEALED
Growing up, many of us were taught that sweets, candy, and sugar are the main culprits of cavities. Don’t eat those sticky taffies and be sure to avoid the M&M’s at all costs! While candy can certainly wreak havoc
on our teeth, it isn’t the only culprit. Each time food enters our mouths and we chew it, the bacteria present inside our mouths and saliva break down the tiny food particles. This process produces acids and also leaves behind a sticky film, also known as plaque. Because the plaque is so sticky, it holds all of these byproducts right up against your teeth, and eventually, they start to eat away at your tooth enamel, your teeth’s protective outer layer.
factors, however, is failing to brush and floss properly and regularly.
To prevent cavities from forming, drink plenty of water and remember to swish with water after every meal and snack. Don’t forget to floss and brush thoroughly, being sure to tackle all of those hard-to-reach tooth surfaces. Lastly, never skip out on your dental checkup and cleaning appointments! Here at Texas Sedation Dental & Implant Center, we are here to help you maintain optimal dental health. We will perform frequent cleanings and checkups to reduce the buildup of plaque and to identify any potential problem areas before they wreak havoc on your pearly whites!
So, what causes cavities?
When your tooth enamel faces continuous exposure to plaque due to frequent snacking without brushing, poor dental hygiene, or a diet high in sugar and processed carbohydrates, it is more prone to decay and cavities. One of the largest contributing
For an appointment, give us a call at 903‑331‑0037. Your dental health is our priority!
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