Mewing is a self-directed practice of proper tongue posture, primarily promoted online, which involves resting the entire tongue against the roof of the mouth to influence facial structure and muscle tone. The goal is to make this specific tongue placement a natural, continuous resting position. Since this technique requires conscious effort to retrain muscles, people often wonder if discomfort is a normal part of the adjustment process. It is important to distinguish between mild, temporary muscle fatigue and sharp, persistent pain that signals a potential problem. This distinction determines whether a person should continue the practice or seek professional guidance.
The Goal of Correct Tongue Posture
Correct mewing technique centers on the tongue’s relationship with the hard palate, the bony roof of the mouth, extending from behind the front teeth to the soft palate. The entire body of the tongue, not just the tip, should be lifted and flattened against this area. This positioning is often achieved by making the “ng” sound, as in the word “sing,” and holding the tongue in that final elevated position. The goal is to create a suction hold, securing the tongue to the palate without conscious strain. Maintaining this posture requires the engagement of the suprahyoid muscles, located beneath the chin. The pressure exerted by the tongue is theorized to promote proper development of the maxilla, or upper jaw, and encourage nasal breathing. While this concept has origins in myofunctional therapy, the specific claims of mewing for facial restructuring lack strong clinical evidence.
Expected Sensations and Initial Adjustments
When first starting mewing, a person is exercising muscles that have been dormant, leading to predictable, mild sensations of fatigue and pressure. The most common feeling is muscle soreness or tiredness beneath the chin, caused by the work of the suprahyoid muscle group. This soreness should gradually diminish over the first week or two as the muscles adapt.
A feeling of gentle, widespread pressure across the hard palate is also expected as the tongue pushes upward and outward. This should feel like light contact, not a forceful push that strains the teeth. Temporary discomfort or tension may be felt in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) or the masseter muscles of the jaw. These sensations are considered part of the normal adjustment, provided they are mild and do not worsen or last for long periods.
When Discomfort Signals a Problem
Sharp or persistent pain, unlike transient muscle soreness, is a clear sign that the technique is incorrect or causing harm and requires immediate cessation or modification. A common mistake is using excessive force, which can lead to tooth sensitivity or push teeth out of alignment over time. The tongue should not be pressing hard enough to cause pain in the teeth or the front gums.
Pain localized in the jaw joint, known as the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), is a serious symptom that can indicate a temporomandibular disorder (TMD). This may manifest as a sharp ache in or around the ear, difficulty opening or closing the mouth, or a noticeable clicking, popping, or grinding sound when the jaw moves. Persistent headaches, especially those that feel like they originate behind the eyes, can also be a symptom of increased tension or misalignment related to the jaw joint. Any of these symptoms suggest that the practice is creating harmful strain on the delicate structures of the jaw and should be addressed by a professional.
Professional Guidance and Medical Context
The practice of mewing, as promoted on social media, lacks rigorous scientific studies to support its claims of permanently reshaping facial structure. While the underlying concepts of proper tongue posture are related to recognized techniques in orofacial myofunctional therapy, mewing itself is not a clinically accepted orthodontic treatment. Self-directed attempts to alter jaw or teeth alignment carry the risk of causing or worsening existing dental and jaw problems.
If persistent pain or any symptoms of jaw dysfunction, such as joint locking or earaches, occur, consulting a qualified dentist or orthodontist is necessary. These professionals can evaluate the tongue’s resting position, assess the health of the TMJ, and recommend evidence-based treatments if structural issues are present. Relying solely on self-help techniques without professional oversight can lead to complex and costly treatment later to correct unintended misalignment or injury.