The question of whether “mewing” can reshape the face has become a highly popular internet search, reflecting a widespread trend that promises aesthetic and health benefits through simple posture correction. Mewing is a non-medical term describing a technique that promotes specific tongue placement to define the jawline and improve facial structure. This practice, often shared virally across social media platforms, is rooted in a controversial theory of facial development, prompting skepticism and the need for scientific evaluation. This article will examine the mechanics of the practice, its theoretical origins, the scientific consensus on its efficacy, and the potential risks involved.
The Core Concept of Mewing
Mewing instructs a person to maintain a precise resting posture of the tongue, a habit proponents claim can exert enough force to remodel the bones of the face. The technique requires flattening the entire tongue, including the back third, against the roof of the mouth, or the palate. The lips should remain closed, and breathing should be done primarily through the nose. This constant, gentle pressure is purported to widen the maxilla (upper jawbone) and bring the face forward, leading to a more defined jawline, improved cheekbone prominence, and straighter teeth.
The purported benefits extend beyond aesthetics, with claims that proper tongue posture can correct malocclusion, alleviate sleep apnea, and resolve issues with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Proponents emphasize that this tongue position should be adopted continuously, transforming it from a conscious effort into an unconscious, lifelong habit. The core belief is that the tongue acts as a natural, internal orthodontic appliance, guiding bone growth and alignment over time.
The Orthotropic Theory of Facial Growth
The practice of mewing traces its origins to “Orthotropics,” a treatment philosophy developed by British orthodontist John Mew and later popularized by his son, Mike Mew. Orthotropics posits that facial structure is primarily determined by environmental factors, such as posture, swallowing patterns, and breathing, rather than genetics. This theory suggests that modern soft diets and poor oral habits, like mouth breathing and low tongue rest position, are responsible for the downward and backward growth of the face, leading to crowded teeth and recessed jaws.
The central tenet of Orthotropics is that by correcting these environmental influences, particularly in growing children, the face can be guided to develop horizontally and forward, achieving a more harmonious and attractive structure. This contrasts sharply with the mainstream orthodontic view, which holds that jaw size and shape are largely determined by inherited genetic factors. The Mews’ unconventional beliefs and criticism of traditional treatment methods have led to disciplinary action against both by the General Dental Council in the United Kingdom.
Assessing Clinical Evidence and Professional Opinion
The claims made by proponents of mewing and the Orthotropic theory lack support from rigorous, peer-reviewed clinical research. There is a near-total absence of scientific literature, such as randomized controlled trials, that demonstrates the efficacy of mewing in significantly altering the facial skeleton in adults or children. Skeletal changes in adults are particularly unlikely, as the facial bones are no longer growing and require significant, sustained force, like that provided by surgery or mechanical orthodontic appliances, to be repositioned.
The professional consensus among major dental organizations, including the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), is that mewing is not a recognized or proven method for facial restructuring or correcting malocclusion. The AAO emphasizes that the biomechanical forces generated by the tongue are simply not strong enough to move mature bone in the way claimed by mewing advocates. Orthodontic treatment, in contrast, uses controlled, continuous pressure over time to guide teeth and influence jaw position based on established biological principles. The British Orthodontic Society has also issued warnings stating there is no scientific evidence to suggest that facial shape can be changed by holding the tongue in a closed position.
Physical Harm and Misinformation
Despite being promoted as a harmless, natural technique, unsupervised mewing carries several potential physical risks, especially when done incorrectly. Forcing the tongue into an unnatural position or applying excessive pressure can lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, resulting in jaw pain, clicking, or difficulty in movement. This constant, incorrect pressure can also cause unintended dental movements, potentially worsening existing bite problems or leading to new issues like an open bite or teeth misalignment.
In adolescents whose facial bones are still developing, inappropriate force can potentially guide growth in an undesirable direction, which would require more complex professional treatment later. Furthermore, focusing on internet advice can lead to a delay in seeking proper diagnosis and treatment for genuine issues like sleep apnea or severe malocclusion. Anyone seeking to correct their facial structure, bite, or jaw alignment should consult a licensed orthodontist or a qualified myofunctional therapist for an evidence-based treatment plan.