Mewing, an internet trend focusing on specific oral posture, has become widely popular for its purported aesthetic and health benefits. This practice involves consciously changing the resting position of the tongue, which proponents claim leads to a more defined jawline and improved breathing. However, as more people adopt this technique, reports of side effects like headaches and jaw pain are increasingly common. Understanding the biomechanics of the practice helps explain why this simple change in tongue position might lead to pain.
Understanding the Practice of Mewing
Mewing is a technique centered on maintaining a specific tongue posture within the mouth at all times. Rooted in the principles of orthotropics, the goal is to have the entire tongue, including the back third, rest flush against the palate (the roof of the mouth). This constant pressure is intended to influence facial structure growth, leading to a wider palate and a more defined profile.
To perform the technique, the lips are sealed, and the tongue is pressed upward against the hard palate while the teeth are lightly touching or slightly apart. This consistent pressure is suggested to encourage forward facial growth and promote nasal breathing. Mewing is ultimately presented as a way to correct underlying issues in oral posture that might contribute to poor aesthetics or health problems.
The Direct Connection Between Mewing and Head Pain
Headaches or jaw soreness are frequently reported side effects, especially for those new to the practice or using incorrect form. Pain often manifests as a tension headache, characterized by a tight sensation across the forehead or temples. This discomfort results from the muscles involved in maintaining the new tongue position being overworked.
Generalized jaw soreness or pain radiating into the ears are also common symptoms, indicating strain on the muscles and joints. While advocates suggest proper mewing can relieve temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, incorrect execution can easily induce or exacerbate it. The correlation between the onset of conscious mewing and this specific type of facial and head pain is widely noted by dental professionals.
Mechanical Causes of Pain from Incorrect Posture
The anatomical reason for the pain lies in the excessive or uneven force applied to the structures of the jaw and skull. Incorrect mewing often involves over-activation of the suprahyoid muscles, located beneath the chin. These muscles are responsible for lifting the tongue, and their sustained, forceful contraction leads to chronic fatigue and referred pain traveling into the head and temples.
A primary issue is the undue stress placed upon the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the jawbone to the skull. Many people mistakenly clench their teeth or forcefully push their lower jaw backward while pressing the tongue against the palate. This action increases the load on the TMJ, potentially causing inflammation, misalignment, and temporomandibular disorder (TMD). The resulting tension in the masseter and temporalis muscles is a direct cause of tension headaches.
Improper “hard mewing,” which involves forcefully slamming the tongue against the palate, creates uneven pressure. If the pressure is not applied uniformly across the palate, it can strain one side of the jaw more than the other, contributing to facial asymmetry and localized pain. This constant, unnatural force can also lead to unintended tooth movement, bite issues, and enamel wear.
Recognizing Warning Signs and Seeking Help
Persistent pain while mewing signals that the technique is incorrect or the body is not tolerating the new posture.
Warning Signs
Specific warning signs necessitate immediately stopping the practice:
- A clicking or popping sound when opening or closing the jaw, indicating potential TMJ displacement.
- Chronic jaw pain lasting more than a few days.
- Pain accompanied by ringing in the ears or difficulty chewing.
For sustained discomfort, consultation with a healthcare professional is advisable. Dentists, orthodontists, and physical therapists specializing in TMJ disorders are best equipped to assess the underlying cause. A myofunctional therapist can also evaluate tongue posture and mobility, checking for conditions like a tongue tie that restrict correct resting position. Addressing these issues professionally is a safer alternative than attempting to push through the pain.