Mewing is the practice of maintaining a specific resting posture where the tongue is pressed entirely against the roof of the mouth (palate), with the lips sealed and teeth gently touching. Individuals often adopt this technique to enhance facial aesthetics or address perceived orthodontic issues. Because this practice involves retraining complex muscle groups, many practitioners experience pain and discomfort. This pain signals mechanical stress on the oral and facial structures, often stemming from muscular fatigue, improper force application, or strain on the jaw joints.
Pain from Muscular Strain and Overexertion
The most common source of initial discomfort is the overexertion of muscles unaccustomed to continuous activity. Maintaining the tongue’s elevated position relies heavily on the suprahyoid muscle group, particularly the mylohyoid muscle located beneath the chin. This muscle must contract continually to hold the entire tongue body against the hard palate, which is a significant change from its typical resting state.
Sustained isometric contraction of the mylohyoid can lead to a dull, aching sensation or tightness localized in the area directly under the chin and upper neck. Secondary strain can also affect the muscles of mastication, such as the masseter and temporalis, especially if the new tongue posture causes unconscious jaw clenching or grinding. The resulting pain is typically a non-sharp ache in the cheeks or temples that tends to subside within a few days of rest or reduced practice intensity.
Improper Force Distribution and Dental Pressure
Pain can also arise from a flawed technique, specifically when the applied force is too intense or unevenly distributed across the palate and teeth. “Hard mewing,” a method involving aggressive, forceful suction and upward pushing, often leads to immediate localized tenderness on the hard palate. The palate itself is covered by a thin layer of soft tissue, which can become bruised or inflamed by excessive, constant pressure from the tongue.
Uneven pressure is particularly problematic because it can impact dental alignment, causing sharp or localized tooth pain. If the practitioner primarily uses the tip or front third of the tongue to push, instead of engaging the posterior third for broad, gentle pressure, the force is concentrated on the front teeth. This concentrated, misdirected force can push teeth outward or forward, resulting in sensitivity, discomfort, or a feeling of looseness in specific teeth. Such pain is a direct warning sign that the tongue is acting as an undesirable orthodontic appliance, potentially shifting teeth out of their natural position.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Stress
The most significant mechanical cause of pain is the stress placed on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the hinge connecting the jawbone to the skull. Mewing requires the lower jaw to be held in a specific relationship with the upper jaw. If the back of the tongue is engaged forcefully, it can cause the mandible to retract or be held in chronic tension. This constant strain can irritate the joint capsule and the disc of cartilage that cushions the joint.
Symptoms of TMJ stress often extend beyond simple muscle soreness and may include a clicking, popping, or grating sound when opening or closing the mouth. A practitioner may also experience referred pain, which manifests as persistent headaches, ear pain, or a feeling of fullness in the ear. Furthermore, chronic joint tension can lead to limited jaw movement, making it difficult to open the mouth fully.
When Pain Signals a Need for Professional Consultation
While mild muscle soreness is a common temporary side effect of starting any new habit, certain pain signals require immediate professional evaluation. Pain that is severe, lasts for more than 48 hours after stopping the practice, or progressively worsens is a significant red flag. This persistent pain suggests that the underlying cause is not simple muscle fatigue but rather tissue damage or joint inflammation.
You should consult a dentist, orthodontist, or oral surgeon if the pain is accompanied by loud clicking, locking, or catching of the jaw joint. Similarly, any noticeable change in how the upper and lower teeth meet, chronic headaches that begin after starting mewing, or sensations of numbness or tingling in the face warrant professional attention. Since mewing is not a regulated medical treatment, persistent adverse symptoms should always be assessed by a healthcare professional familiar with craniofacial anatomy.