Dental expert Dr Aodhan Docherty says TikTok mouth taping trend can have benefits, but not for all

A new TikTok trend is seen people taping their mouth shut at night in a bid to prevent tooth decay and promote overall health.

The belief is that ‘mouth taping’ forces people to breathe through their nose, which has benefits including preventing tooth decay, stopping snoring and promoting better sleep.

And it seems they’re right, with health experts endorsing some of the benefits despite warning those with sleep disorders of breathing issues to steer clear. 

A recent trend of people taping their mouths shut at night has exploded on TikTok. TikTokers believe the trend promotes good sleep and good dental health by encouraging nasal breathing rather than mouth breathing

Sydney-based cosmetic dentist Dr Aodhan Docherty offered his expert opinion on the TikTok trend, revealing it can be very beneficial, but certain groups of people should never do it

Dr Aodhan Docherty, a dentist based in Sydney, said the trend can have ‘benefits’ for certain people.

He outlined that nasal breathing can improve your sleep, and your mouth being open for extended periods can in fact  lead to tooth decay.

‘When you breath through your mouth, it does increase the risk of decay’, he explained, as the saliva protecting your teeth dries out.

‘People think saliva is just like water, but it actually has heaps of chemicals in it to balance out acid in your mouth.’

‘I myself do it every night,’ he admitted, outlining that he notices he now breathes through his nose predominately, and no longer gets in trouble for snoring.

The dentist explained that the main purpose of the trend is to promote nasal breathing, which is the natural way to breath.

However for a myriad of reasons, including allergies and habit, people now breath through their mouth.

According to Dr Docherty ‘nose breathing is best’ as it filters what goes into your body, humidifies the air and changes the chemistry of the body.

‘One group gets big benefits from the trend, they will get a better night sleep, and the body’s chemistry changes so the more your breath through your nose the easier it gets’, he explained.

However he warned that ‘some people do not benefit’ and shouldn’t take part in the trend.

These include people with sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, and anyone with small nasal openings, a broken nose, or any other issue that prevents adequate nasal breathing.

Dr Docherty concluded that although it is likely a safe practice for people without sleep disorders or issues with nasal breathing, everyone should speak to their doctor before doing it. 

A sleep expert agrees, outlining that people who snore should get medical advice to look for underlying causes before taking part in the trend in case they have the very ‘dangerous’ sleep apnea which causes your throat to close over.

Dr Docherty has previously warned against other TikTok dental trends, saying there are ‘heaps’ of trends you should never follow.

He particularly emphasised the dangers of applying diamante to your own teeth, filing them with an emery board, and the ‘mental’ trend of making your own orthodontics using a home-made mould.

‘Would you do your own nose job?’ the dentist asked, stressing how crazy these trends are.

He is a strong critic of the trend that saw people get their teeth shaved down for the ‘perfect smile’, revealing the procedure is not for veneers but the more damaging crowns.

‘These teeth have been shaped for crowns and not veneers which is much more damaging. I am sure the patient loves her new teeth but what is left under is not the strongest or most long term,’ he said.