While many people believe that touching your tongue to the roof of your mouth can stop a sneeze, there is no scientific research to support this claim.
How Might It Work?
The idea behind this technique is that stimulating the roof of your mouth might interrupt the sneeze reflex. The process is usually attempted by:
- Pressing the tip of your tongue firmly against the hard palate (the roof of your mouth)
- Maintaining that pressure for a few seconds before the sneeze is expected to occur.
What Does the Research Say?
According to available resources, the efficacy of this method is not backed by scientific evidence. Although some individuals report success using the tongue technique, there is no scientific research confirming this.
Is It Worth Trying?
Even though scientific evidence is lacking, there is no harm in trying this method. It is important to remember that if you need to sneeze, you should do so in a way that is respectful to others by covering your nose and mouth.
| Method | Scientific Support? |
|---|---|
| Touching tongue to roof of mouth | No |
| Covering nose and mouth when sneezing | Yes |
Other Ways To Potentially Stifle A Sneeze
- Pinching the nose: This can sometimes stop a sneeze in its early stages.
- Distraction: Sometimes, thinking about something else can interrupt the sneeze reflex.
It is important to note that these are merely anecdotal solutions, and the most effective approach is to allow your body to sneeze as needed, taking precautions to prevent the spread of germs.
