Why You Need an Evaluation Before Lip Taping

Lip taping is a technique used during sleep where a small piece of gentle, skin-safe tape is placed across the lips to encourage nasal breathing. It does not seal the mouth shut; instead, it serves as a reminder and support for keeping the lips closed overnight.

The trend of using lip tape to address mouth breathing has taken social media by storm, but it’s important to understand that mouth breathing is a symptom, not a diagnosis. Before trying solutions like lip tape, it’s crucial to identify the root cause of your mouth breathing. Is it due to nasal congestion, a structural issue like a deviated septum, allergies, or poor oral habits?

Mouth breathing is not typically beneficial—in fact, chronic mouth breathing is associated with a wide range of oral-motor, airway, sleep, dental, and facial-growth concerns.

A professional evaluation uncovers the reasons behind mouth breathing and provides a treatment plan that addresses the source. This might include improving nasal breathing, managing allergies, or correcting orofacial dysfunctions. When used under the guidance of a trained therapist or medical professional, tools like lip tape can be safe and effective—but only as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Seeking professional help ensures you’re treating the problem, not just the symptom, and setting yourself up for long-term success.