Chances are you’ve come across the term “Mewing” if you’ve been searching online for ways to improve your facial appearance or jawline. It seems like everyone is talking about this do-it-yourself technique that promises to enhance facial structure by simply repositioning your tongue. But does Mewing work, or is it just another internet trend?
In this comprehensive blog post, we will delve into:
- The origins of Mewing and how it got its name
- The science behind proper tongue posture
- Potential benefits of Mewing and realistic expectations
- Detailed steps on how to practice Mewing correctly
- Common mistakes and how to avoid them
- Frequently asked questions and final takeaways
By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of what Mewing is, how it might help, and if it’s worth incorporating into your daily routine. Let’s dive in!
What Is Mewing?
Mewing is a tongue posture technique that involves placing the tongue flat against the roof of your mouth in order to support and influence the growth or alignment of the jaws. The term “Mewing” comes from Dr. Mike Mew, a British orthodontist who has been one of the leading voices in the field of orthotropics—a practice aimed at guiding facial growth in children and younger individuals through proper oral posture and other holistic methods.
Although Mewing started on the internet as a kind of “secret hack” for a defined jawline, the concept behind it is not entirely new. Orthotropics has been around for decades, largely initiated by Dr. John Mew (Mike’s father). The Mew family believes that factors like tongue posture, breathing patterns, and overall facial muscle engagement can significantly affect the shape and structure of your face over time.
Quick Recap: Key Points
- Origin: Mewing is derived from orthotropic techniques by Dr. John Mew and Dr. Mike Mew.
- Definition: Mewing is maintaining proper tongue posture on the roof of your mouth, often to enhance facial structure.
- Popularity: It gained traction online as a do-it-yourself facial reshaping method, attracting both curiosity and controversy.
The Science Behind Tongue Posture
Before we talk about whether Mewing actually works, let’s look at the science behind tongue posture and facial development.
- Facial Growth and Bones: Our facial structure continues to develop well into our late teens and sometimes early twenties. The position of your jaw and the way you breathe can influence how your facial bones and muscles adapt over time.
- Tongue Pressure: The tongue is a strong muscle that applies constant, gentle pressure to the oral cavity. When the tongue rests against the roof of the mouth, it can theoretically help maintain proper dental arch form and encourage forward growth of the upper jaw (the maxilla).
- Jaw Alignment: If your tongue tends to rest on the floor of your mouth or if you breathe primarily through your mouth instead of your nose, you might experience downward and backward facial growth, which can lead to a longer face, a receding chin, or dental crowding.
- Muscle Balance: Mewing also emphasizes the role of facial muscles, from the cheeks to the lips. The idea is that when you engage your tongue and keep it on your palate, you reinforce a natural balance in the muscles of the face.
However, the exact degree of change you can achieve from Mewing can vary widely. Factors like age, genetics, and existing skeletal structure play significant roles in determining if you will see noticeable benefits.
Does Mewing Work?
1. Potential Benefits
- Improved Facial Symmetry: Many practitioners claim that proper tongue posture enhances their mid-face support, potentially offering a more balanced facial appearance.
- Defined Jawline: The most popular reason people try Mewing is to achieve a more pronounced jawline. Some users share anecdotal before-and-after pictures to show improved jaw definition.
- Better Breathing Habits: Mewing encourages nasal breathing, as you need to keep your mouth closed and your tongue pressed against the roof of your mouth. Nasal breathing can lead to healthier oxygen intake and might reduce issues such as snoring.
- Improved Posture: Correct tongue posture often goes hand in hand with better neck and head alignment. You may find yourself more conscious of your head position when practicing Mewing.
2. Controversies and Criticisms
- Lack of Extensive Scientific Studies: While there is some supporting research on the role of tongue posture in orthodontics, large-scale, peer-reviewed studies specifically measuring “Mewing” are limited.
- Overhyped Online: Social media is filled with dramatic transformations. Not all results are guaranteed, and many before-and-after pictures might not be scientifically verified.
- Slow or Subtle Results: If Mewing works, it often happens gradually. Moreover, noticeable changes might be more pronounced in adolescents whose facial bones are still developing. Adults may see limited structural changes but can still benefit from improved breathing and posture.
Realistic Expectation
The question of “Does Mewing work?” largely hinges on realistic expectations. If you hope to completely re-sculpt your face in a few weeks, you’ll likely be disappointed. However, if you stay consistent and recognize that changes—if they occur—will be gradual and possibly subtle, Mewing might offer some advantages. You can combine it with good nutrition, regular exercise, and other healthy lifestyle habits to maximize potential benefits.
How to Practice Mewing Step-by-Step
Achieving correct oral posture is simple in theory but requires consistent practice. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Close Your Mouth Gently: Keep your lips together without straining. Do not press your lips tightly or tense your facial muscles.
- Place Your Tongue on the Roof of Your Mouth: Focus on the entire tongue. It should rest against the palate, not just the tip. Avoid pushing too hard—think of a gentle suction rather than force.
- Keep the Tip of Your Tongue Behind the Front Teeth: Do not let your tongue press directly against your incisors. Instead, position it slightly behind the upper front teeth where the palate rises.
- Engage the Mid and Back of the Tongue: The middle and posterior parts of your tongue should also rest against the roof of your mouth. This step is crucial and often overlooked.
- Breathe Through Your Nose: Mewing encourages nasal breathing. Make a conscious effort to keep your mouth closed and breathe lightly through your nostrils.
- Maintain Relaxed Jaw Muscles: Do not clench your teeth. Keep your jaw relaxed and maintain only gentle contact between your upper and lower teeth if they meet at all.
Finding the Correct Position
- You might notice a subtle upward lift in your palate when your tongue is in position.
- A helpful tip is to make a “pronounce the ‘N’ sound,” which naturally places your tongue near the correct position.
Practice and Patience
As you go about your day, repeatedly check your tongue posture. It might help to set reminders on your phone or use sticky notes. Over time, your tongue’s resting position can become more natural if you remain consistent.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Excessive Force: Pressing your tongue too hard against the palate can cause tension and lead to discomfort or headaches. Mewing should feel natural and relaxed.
- Focusing Only on the Tip of the Tongue: You need your entire tongue, especially the back part, to be engaged. This full contact is where many Mewing advocates believe the benefit lies.
- Mouth Breathing: Breathing through your mouth negates the benefits of Mewing. Make sure you work on nasal breathing techniques, possibly with the guidance of an ENT specialist if you have ongoing nasal issues.
- Inconsistent Practice: Like any posture change, Mewing requires daily awareness. If you only attempt it occasionally, you might not see results.
- Ignoring Other Lifestyle Factors: Proper facial development and jaw alignment also depend on nutrition, posture, sleep quality, and genetics. Mewing alone might not overcome significant orthodontic or skeletal issues.
What Do Experts Say?
Many orthodontists and dentists acknowledge the importance of correct tongue posture but differ in how much it can influence an adult’s facial structure. Skeptics argue that while proper tongue posture can help with minor dental alignment and might encourage better breathing, expecting drastic facial reshaping is unrealistic—especially for older adults whose bones have already fused.
On the other hand, proponents, including Dr. Mike Mew, suggest that focusing on tongue posture can still yield improvements in jaw alignment, even if changes are less dramatic once you’re past puberty. They also emphasize the overall health benefits of nasal breathing and correct oral posture, irrespective of facial aesthetics.
Who Might Benefit From Mewing?
- Children and Adolescents: Younger individuals whose bones are still developing are more likely to see noticeable structural changes through sustained orthotropic methods.
- People with Mild Orthodontic or Posture Concerns: Even in adulthood, if you have mild crowding or a tendency to mouth-breathe, Mewing could serve as a beneficial adjunct.
- Individuals Interested in Preventative Measures: If you have a family history of dental crowding or jaw issues, focusing on proper tongue posture early might help mitigate some of those tendencies.
- Those Seeking Better Breathing: If you’re looking to train yourself to breathe through your nose, Mewing will keep you aware of your mouth position and airflow.
Mewing and Orthodontic Treatments
If you currently wear braces, aligners, or other orthodontic devices, you might wonder if Mewing can complement your treatment. Many orthodontists do recommend proper tongue posture to reduce the risk of relapse after you remove braces. If your tongue posture is poor, the constant force on your teeth might push them back out of alignment over time.
Key Consideration: Always consult with your orthodontist or dentist before adding new techniques like Mewing into your routine. They can offer personalized advice based on your unique dental and skeletal structure.
Timeline: When to Expect Results
It’s easy to find blog posts and videos claiming quick transformations within a matter of weeks. The truth is that Mewing changes tend to be subtle and occur gradually. Some users report visible improvements in 6–12 months, while others might not notice any significant change at all.
- Short Term (Weeks): You might feel more mindful of your posture and breathing.
- Medium Term (Months): Minor shifts in jaw posture and facial muscle tone might become noticeable in photos or in the mirror.
- Long Term (Year+): Consistency over the long term might yield the most noticeable changes, especially in younger individuals.
Remember, Mewing is not a “quick fix.” It’s more of a posture habit that can potentially offer small—but meaningful—benefits over time.
Practical Tips for Consistency
- Set Reminders: Use phone alarms or sticky notes to prompt you to check your tongue position.
- Mirror Checks: Whenever you look in the mirror—whether brushing your teeth or checking your appearance—use that moment to reset your tongue posture.
- Pair with Other Habits: Combine Mewing with daily tasks like walking, reading, or watching TV. Remind yourself to keep your tongue against your palate.
- Stay Hydrated: Dry mouth can make Mewing uncomfortable. Drink enough water to ensure you can maintain a relaxed oral posture.
- Track Progress: Consider taking monthly profile photos. Even if changes are slight, you might notice subtle improvements over time, which can keep you motivated.
Beyond Mewing: Lifestyle Factors That Affect Your Face
Mewing is just one puzzle piece in the bigger picture of facial structure and appearance. If you really want to optimize facial aesthetics and health, consider these lifestyle factors:
- Nutrition: A balanced diet with adequate vitamins, minerals, and proteins supports overall health, including bone and muscle integrity.
- Sleep Quality: Poor sleep can affect growth hormone release in adolescents and overall facial appearance in adults.
- Physical Exercise: Strength training, cardio, and facial exercises can contribute to a leaner face and better posture.
- Stress Management: Chronic stress can lead to teeth grinding (bruxism) and facial tension, which may influence jaw development and alignment.
- Posture: Keep your spine and neck aligned; poor posture can translate into a downward tilt of the head, which might sabotage the benefits of Mewing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Mew at Night While Sleeping?
Most people don’t consciously control their tongues during sleep. However, improving daytime posture can eventually influence your unconscious habits. Some individuals use mouth tape (under professional guidance) to encourage nasal breathing during sleep.
2. Is There an Age Limit for Mewing?
There’s no hard age limit. Younger individuals see more tangible skeletal changes due to ongoing bone growth. Adults primarily benefit from better muscle tone, breathing habits, and minor jaw posture improvements.
3. Will Mewing Replace Orthodontic Treatment?
Mewing is not a substitute for professional orthodontic treatments. While it might complement existing treatments, you should never rely on Mewing alone to correct major dental or skeletal issues.
4. Do I Need to Do Other Facial Exercises?
Some people combine Mewing with facial exercises or jaw exercises to maximize results. Approach these routines with caution, as overworking the jaw can lead to stress or pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
5. What If I Experience Pain or Discomfort?
Mewing should not cause pain. If you experience persistent discomfort or headaches, ease up on the pressure or consult a healthcare professional to see if there’s an underlying issue.
Success Stories and Testimonials
If you search for “Mewing before and after” online, you’ll find countless anecdotal stories and pictures. Some show dramatic improvements, while others notice minimal change. Because these testimonials are not controlled scientific studies, take them with a grain of salt. Everyone’s facial structure, genetics, and level of commitment differ. Nonetheless, positive testimonials can be inspiring if you approach Mewing realistically and patiently.
Final Verdict: Should You Try Mewing?
- Pros:
- Encourages better tongue posture
- May improve breathing and facial muscle engagement
- Could offer minor aesthetic changes over time
- Simple, non-invasive method
- Cons:
- Limited large-scale scientific backing specific to “Mewing”
- Results can be very subtle, especially in adults
- Requires consistent effort and may take months to years
- May not address severe orthodontic issues
Ultimately, Mewing alone might not be a miracle solution for everyone seeking a chiseled jawline or symmetrical face. However, maintaining proper tongue posture and focusing on nasal breathing carry numerous health benefits. If you combine Mewing with a well-rounded lifestyle—encompassing good nutrition, exercise, adequate sleep, and professional dental care—you could see positive, long-term improvements in both your health and appearance.
Key Takeaways
- Mewing is a tongue posture technique popularized online and linked to Dr. Mike Mew.
- It aims to improve facial structure by pressing the tongue against the roof of the mouth.
- Scientific evidence for drastic facial reshaping is limited; however, many people report minor or incremental changes.
- Practicing Mewing consistently alongside a healthy lifestyle can enhance breathing habits, posture, and possibly your jawline over time.
- Always consult a medical or dental professional for personalized advice, especially if you have existing jaw or dental concerns.
This blog post is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. If you have concerns about your jaw alignment, dental health, or facial structure, please consult an orthodontist or another qualified healthcare professional.
Thank you for reading! If you found this post helpful, feel free to share it or leave a comment below. Have you tried Mewing, and what was your experience? Let us know! Remember: consistency and realistic expectations are key when it comes to seeing any potential benefits from Mewing.
