Mewing involves consciously maintaining an optimal resting position for the tongue against the roof of the mouth, or palate. This posture is considered the natural and correct default position for the tongue when a person is not speaking or eating. The constant, gentle pressure from the tongue against the maxilla is believed to influence the development and structure of the upper jaw and surrounding facial bones. Many individuals find it difficult to execute consistently due to incorrect technique, physical limitations, or deeply ingrained muscle habits.
Misunderstanding the Technique
A common barrier is misunderstanding the precise mechanics of proper tongue posture. Many beginners focus only on the tip of the tongue, pressing it against the ridge just behind the front teeth, which is insufficient as it fails to activate the entire muscle mass. Correct technique requires engaging the entire body of the tongue, particularly the posterior third, which is the section farthest back in the mouth. This is achieved by performing a gentle swallowing motion and then holding the resulting suction created between the tongue and the palate. If the posterior third of the tongue is not fully engaged, the entire posture will collapse, and the tongue will rest on the floor of the mouth.
Anatomical and Structural Barriers
For some people, the inability to achieve correct tongue posture is a fixed physical limitation, not a matter of technique.
Tongue Tie (Ankyloglossia)
One frequently cited obstacle is ankyloglossia, or a tongue tie, where the lingual frenulum, the band of tissue connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth, is too short or tight. A restricted frenulum physically limits the tongue’s ability to elevate and maintain full contact with the posterior palate. This restriction forces the tongue to sit lower in the mouth, which in turn can prevent the upper jaw from developing its full width during growth.
Palate and Jaw Structure
A narrow maxilla or palate is another structural barrier, as it may not provide enough physical space for the tongue to rest in its intended position without pressing against the teeth. This issue often results in a high-arched palate and crowded teeth. Existing severe malocclusion, such as a significant overbite or underbite, can also make it functionally impossible to find a neutral, resting tongue position. If the upper and lower jaws are severely misaligned, the tongue’s mobility and resting spot are compromised. These structural limitations often require professional intervention to resolve, as self-correction alone cannot lengthen a frenulum or widen a bone.
Habitual Obstacles and Muscle Memory
Beyond structural issues, deeply ingrained habits and poor muscle memory frequently prevent consistent proper tongue posture. Habitual mouth breathing is a primary obstacle, as the act of breathing through the mouth immediately drops the tongue from the palate to open the oral airway. When the tongue is positioned low in the mouth to facilitate oral breathing, it cannot exert the necessary pressure on the maxilla. Incorrect swallowing patterns, known as a tongue thrust, also counteract proper resting posture by pushing the tongue forward against the front teeth instead of up against the palate. Maintaining the correct posture requires endurance from the tongue and associated muscles, as its resting posture is a continuous, low-level muscular effort that must be maintained twenty-four hours a day. The body’s natural tendency to revert to a learned, comfortable, but incorrect low posture makes consistency a significant challenge.
Limits of Self-Correction and When to Seek Professional Help
It is important to understand the biological limitations of self-correction, particularly for adults who have reached skeletal maturity. While consistent proper tongue posture is beneficial for overall health and may improve muscle tone, significant structural changes to the craniofacial bones are unlikely once the growth plates have fused. Managing expectations is important, especially concerning dramatic aesthetic results often promoted online. If an individual consistently struggles to achieve or maintain the correct tongue posture, a professional evaluation is warranted.
Professional guidance ensures underlying physical limitations are addressed, setting the stage for successful self-practice. Professionals who can assist include:
- An Otolaryngologist (ENT) can diagnose issues related to nasal obstruction or breathing difficulties that force the mouth open.
- A certified Myofunctional Therapist specializes in retraining the muscles of the face and mouth, addressing habitual issues like mouth breathing and tongue thrust through targeted exercises.
- An Orthodontist can assess the size and shape of the maxilla and jaw alignment for structural issues.
Professional interventions can include a frenectomy to release a restrictive tongue tie, or the use of appliances like palatal expanders to physically widen a narrow upper jaw. Seeking professional guidance ensures that underlying physical limitations are addressed.