The practice known as “mewing” has become a widespread social media trend, positioning itself as a do-it-yourself method for enhancing facial structure and improving overall oral health. This concept centers on consciously altering the resting position of the tongue within the mouth, promising non-surgical changes to the jawline and face. It is important to analyze the purported outcomes against the current scientific understanding of facial development and the potential for adverse effects. This exploration provides clarity on the technique’s safety and effectiveness.
Understanding the Mewing Technique
Mewing is a technique based on the principle of maintaining “proper tongue posture” against the roof of the mouth constantly, even while swallowing or resting. The technique was developed and promoted by British orthodontist Dr. John Mew and later popularized by his son, Mike Mew, under the alternative theory of facial growth known as Orthotropics. The core action involves flattening the entire tongue, including the back third, against the hard palate.
To execute the technique, the tongue tip should rest just behind the front teeth without touching them, while the lips remain sealed and the teeth are lightly together. Practitioners attempt to create a suction hold that keeps the tongue flush against the roof of the mouth, engaging the muscles of the jaw and face. The goal is to make this position the default resting posture of the tongue throughout the day and night.
Proposed Health and Aesthetic Benefits
Proponents of the mewing technique claim that this constant, upward pressure exerted by the tongue can positively influence the development and appearance of the facial bones. The most frequently cited outcome is the enhancement of the jawline, leading to a more defined chin and a sharper, more chiseled aesthetic.
Advocates suggest mewing can broaden the upper jaw, or maxilla, which could improve dental alignment by creating more space for the teeth. Improved nasal breathing is another hypothesized benefit, as the technique requires the mouth to remain closed, forcing a shift away from habitual mouth breathing. Anecdotal reports also suggest potential improvements for conditions like sleep apnea, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, and speech issues.
Lack of Scientific Evidence and Potential Risks
Despite the enthusiasm on social media, there is currently minimal to no peer-reviewed scientific evidence to support the claims that mewing can structurally alter the bone of the face in adults. Skeletal changes in the jaw typically require significant force applied consistently over time, such as through established orthodontic methods or surgery. Major professional organizations, including the American Association of Orthodontists, state that the technique lacks scientific backing for facial restructuring.
The unregulated, do-it-yourself nature of mewing carries several potential risks when the technique is applied incorrectly or excessively. Forcing the tongue into unnatural positions or applying too much pressure can lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain and dysfunction, often due to muscle strain or improper alignment of the jaw joint. Excessive or uneven pressure from the tongue can potentially disrupt the existing alignment of teeth, leading to unintended dental misalignment or the development of bite problems like malocclusion.
Professional Alternatives and Mandates for Posture
While mewing is a social media trend, the underlying principle of proper tongue posture is a legitimate health concern addressed by established medical disciplines. The clinical field dedicated to correcting tongue placement, swallowing patterns, and oral habits is known as Myofunctional Therapy, or Orofacial Myology. This structured therapy is distinct from the self-directed mewing movement and is guided by trained professionals, such as speech-language pathologists or dedicated myofunctional therapists.
Myofunctional Therapy involves a series of personalized exercises designed to strengthen and retrain the muscles of the face and mouth, ensuring the tongue rests correctly and functions properly during speaking and swallowing. These professionals can also diagnose underlying issues, such as a tongue tie, that might make proper tongue posture difficult or impossible to achieve. This evidence-based approach offers a safe path for those seeking to correct functional issues related to oral posture.