Breathing is something that we subconsciously do without much thought. A few months ago, when I was at the dentist for a cleaning, she suggested that I tape my mouth when I sleep. Like many people, I grind my teeth when I sleep and routinely find myself massaging my jaw and head. Sometimes, it can trigger a headache, so I sleep with a mouthguard every night. Taping my mouth with my mouthguard would not be an attractive way to sleep. However, I tried it that night, and I found it surprising. My jaw was looser the next day, and I felt well-rested. As a result, in the last few months, taping my mouth has become a bedtime ritual, and I do not plan to stop. In James Nestor's book Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art, he suggests nose breathing is far better than mouth breathing. Breathing through your nose filters toxins, warms the air before it reaches your lungs, and allows your jaw to maintain a better position throughout the night.
Additionally, the book and additional studies indicate that mouth breathing contributes to issues such as TMJ and airway issues such as sleep apnea. Throughout the night, if you struggle to breathe, you will pull the tape off your mouth, and that is a good indicator that you may have sleep apnea. While it is not a given, moth taping may enable jaw definition, and after some time, you may notice a slight difference in your facial appearance. Try medical or specific tape for mouth taping, which can be purchased online. If you feel inclined, try mouth taping and let me know your results. As always, be well.