Mewing is a practice based on orthotropics, defined as maintaining a specific resting tongue posture against the palate. This technique involves keeping the entire tongue, including the back third, pressed gently against the roof of the mouth while maintaining closed lips and nasal breathing. The central idea is that consistent, mild pressure from the tongue can influence the growth and alignment of the jaw structure, particularly the upper jaw (maxilla). A common concern regarding this self-applied force is whether mewing might inadvertently push the teeth forward, leading to dental protrusion.
The Mechanics of Proper Tongue Posture
The intended action of proper mewing is to apply broad, gentle, and constant pressure across the hard palate, the bony roof of the mouth. This upward pressure is meant to stimulate the maxilla to grow forward and outward, encouraging a more defined facial structure. Proponents differentiate between “soft mewing” (maintaining the correct resting posture) and “hard mewing” (consciously applying greater force). The goal in both is a structural change in the bone itself, not the direct movement of individual teeth.
The tongue is a powerful muscular organ. When positioned correctly, it should rest completely against the palate without pressing on the front teeth. The tip of the tongue should sit just behind the upper front teeth, avoiding contact with them or the sensitive incisive papilla. The force must be distributed across the entire surface of the maxilla to encourage skeletal remodeling. The desired outcome is an advancement of the entire upper jaw complex, not a simple change in the angle of the front teeth.
Direct Answer: Does Mewing Cause Dental Protrusion?
The answer to whether mewing causes dental protrusion depends heavily on the execution of the technique. When performed improperly, mewing can cause the front teeth to tip forward, a condition known as proclination. This occurs when the force of the tongue focuses primarily on the back of the upper front teeth, instead of distributing pressure across the full expanse of the hard palate. The constant, localized pressure acts like an uncontrolled orthodontic spring, pushing the teeth outward.
Dental movement occurs in two main ways: bodily movement and tipping. Bodily movement is the movement of the entire tooth, including the root, requiring a precise and controlled force couple, typically delivered by professional orthodontic appliances. Tipping is the simpler movement where only the crown of the tooth moves in the direction of the force. The force required to cause tipping is significantly less than that needed for bodily movement, making it the primary risk of incorrect mewing.
If the tongue is positioned in a manner resembling a tongue thrust, pushing forward against the incisors during swallowing or at rest, the teeth can easily shift. This constant, misdirected force can overcome the natural balance provided by the lips and cheeks, causing the front teeth to move forward and creating or worsening an overjet. Proper mewing technique instructs practitioners to avoid this localized forward pressure, aiming instead for a vacuum-like suction that pulls the entire tongue up and back against the palate. The protrusion some users experience is often the result of this unwanted tipping movement rather than the intended skeletal advancement.
Orthodontic Perspective on Self-Correction Risks
Orthodontics is a specialized field that relies on applying highly calibrated forces to move teeth safely within the alveolar bone. Uncontrolled, self-applied forces, such as those resulting from improper mewing, carry a significant risk of causing unintended dental consequences. The forces used in professional treatment are typically measured in grams. Tipping movements require approximately 35 to 60 grams of force, while bodily movements need around 70 to 120 grams.
Applying non-uniform pressure over long periods without professional supervision can lead to several issues beyond simple tipping. One potential complication is gingival recession, where the gum tissue pulls away from the tooth, exposing the root surface. Another risk is root resorption, which involves the breakdown and shortening of the tooth root structure due to excessive or sustained pressure. Uncontrolled tooth movement can also disrupt the patient’s existing occlusion (bite), potentially leading to an open bite or asymmetric dental alignment that requires complex professional intervention.