SHDC | Grinding and Taping Your Mouth Question

 We were asked the following question regarding teeth grinding at night and taping your mouth.

Question:

I saw some information from Sarah Wilson stating that you mentioned taping your mouth shut at night might help with teeth grinding at night. As I clench my teeth, I wonder if this would also benefit me?

Dr Ron: 

We now know that in 70-80% of cases clenching or grinding of teeth (bruxism) reflects sleep-disordered breathing.

What’s interesting is that quite literally, the shape and size of the upper jaw determines the amount of space available in the sinuses and nasal passages; and the size, shape and position of the upper and lower jaws determines the amount of room the tongue has or doesn’t have; all of which means a narrower, potentially restricted upper airway.

Considering 95% of the population today doesn’t have enough room for all 32 of the teeth we have evolved to have. We are generally predisposed to restricted breathing, particularly when you factor in allergies or sinusitis, which may further restrict the airway.

Fortunately, the human body is adaptable. From my own personal and professional observations, the use of micropore tape, which is a small part of the Buteyko Breathing Technique, can help improve breathing at night and positively reduce teeth grinding.

It can be worthwhile consulting a dentist who works closely with a sleep physician, and considering having a properly supervised sleep study done would be useful.

Here is a brochure we use in our surgery. It’s simple and has helped me and many of my family and patients. I hope this helps.

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