Mewing is a popular practice centered on maintaining correct tongue posture against the roof of the mouth, a concept promoted as part of the orthotropics approach. While often discussed as a method to potentially influence facial structure and jawline definition, the practice is not scientifically proven as a reliable way to change adult bone structure. Attempting this technique without professional guidance can lead to physical harm. This article focuses on the negative consequences that result from performing mewing incorrectly.
Identifying Incorrect Technique
The fundamental error in incorrect mewing is the misapplication of force and the failure to engage the entire tongue. Many beginners push only with the front or tip of the tongue, often pressing directly against the back of the front teeth instead of resting gently behind them. This habit applies pressure in the wrong direction, potentially leading to dental problems instead of the desired palatal expansion.
Another common mistake involves forceful clenching of the jaw or teeth to achieve a feeling of posterior tongue suction. Mewing should involve a light, relaxed contact of the teeth or a slight separation, not a strained bite. Applying excessive force to the palate can also lead to issues, as the pressure must be distributed evenly across the entire hard palate, not just a localized spot. Furthermore, incorrect swallowing patterns, sometimes called a reverse swallow, persist when the tongue does not fully engage the palate.
Adverse Effects on Dental Alignment and Bite
Sustained, incorrect pressure from the tongue acts as an unwanted orthodontic force, leading to unintended movement of teeth. Pressing the tongue’s tip or front against the upper anterior teeth over a long period can cause them to splay or flare outward, which is often referred to as “buck teeth.” This movement can increase gaps between teeth or worsen existing misalignment, creating a need for professional orthodontic correction.
If the pressure applied by the tongue is uneven or too localized, it can disrupt the natural alignment of the upper and lower jaws. This may contribute to the development of an open bite, where the front teeth do not overlap when the mouth is closed, or a crossbite. Excessive clenching can lead to gum recession due to the undue stress placed on the tooth-supporting structures, and this stress can also damage existing dental work, such as retainers, fillings, or veneers.
Strain on the Temporomandibular Joint and Facial Muscles
Forcing the jaw or clenching the teeth during incorrect mewing places significant stress on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the jawbone to the skull. This excessive strain can lead to temporomandibular disorders (TMD), characterized by chronic pain and dysfunction in the joint and surrounding muscles. Symptoms often include a clicking, popping, or grinding sound when opening or closing the mouth, which indicates issues within the joint structure.
The incorrect use of facial muscles can also lead to chronic tension and fatigue. When people strain to achieve the posterior tongue suction, they often over-engage the masseter muscles, leading to muscle hypertrophy or unwanted bulkiness in the lower face. This muscular tension often radiates, causing chronic tension headaches or ear pain, which are common symptoms of referred pain. Limited jaw movement and difficulty chewing are additional consequences that stem from inflammation and muscle guarding within the joint area.
Recognizing Signs That Mewing is Causing Harm
The most immediate sign that incorrect mewing is causing harm is persistent pain that lasts more than a few days. This includes chronic jaw pain, headaches, or soreness in the face and neck muscles that does not resolve with rest. Any noticeable change in your bite or how your upper and lower teeth meet should be taken as a serious warning to stop the practice. Specific symptoms indicating damage include:
- Chronic clicking, catching, or locking of the jaw when speaking or eating.
- Front teeth beginning to separate or flare outward.
- New gum sensitivity or recession.
- Soreness in the face and neck muscles that does not resolve with rest.
If these symptoms persist after stopping the practice, consulting a licensed professional, such as an orthodontist or a TMJ specialist, is necessary to assess the damage and explore appropriate treatment options.