Understanding Mewing
Mewing is a term coined from the work of British orthodontists Dr. John Mew and his son, Dr. Mike Mew. It refers to a conscious repositioning of the tongue, usually resting flat against the roof of the mouth (the palate), while maintaining closed lips and correct dental alignment. This simple posture adjustment is thought to encourage facial growth in a more aesthetically pleasing direction and potentially alleviate certain oral or facial issues.
What Is the Main Goal of Mewing?
Mewing isn’t a one-time fix for all orthodontic or facial development concerns. Instead, it’s a long-term practice that shifts the way your facial muscles, bones, and connective tissues align themselves over time. By keeping the tongue pressed against the palate, you provide a constant, gentle pressure that can influence the shape of your jaw and the structure of your upper palate.
Is Mewing a New Concept?
Although mewing has gained popularity through online platforms in recent years, the concept of correct oral posture dates back decades. Orthotropics, the branch of dentistry that focuses on facial growth guidance, has always emphasized the importance of nasal breathing, correct tongue posture, and jaw alignment. The explosion of the term “mewing” across the internet, especially on social media, has simply brought more public attention to these foundational ideas.
The Anatomy Behind Mewing
To understand why people ask if the teeth should touch when mewing, it helps to look at the orofacial anatomy involved. Three main components come into play:
- Teeth: Their alignment and how they occlude (meet) can affect tongue placement and jaw posture.
- Tongue: Positioned correctly, the tongue should rest gently against the roof of the mouth, from the tip just behind the front teeth to the back portion near the soft palate.
- Jaw (Mandible and Maxilla): The upper jaw (maxilla) and lower jaw (mandible) work together for correct chewing, speaking, and posture.
How the Tongue Interacts With the Palate
When you swallow properly or maintain an ideal resting posture, your tongue presses up against your palate. This interaction encourages proper facial development, especially during formative years in children and adolescents. In adults, facial bones are mostly fused, but consistent tongue posture can still influence muscle tone, potentially improving jaw definition and even breathing patterns.
The Proper Mewing Technique
Before we address the question of whether teeth should touch, let’s outline the fundamental steps of mewing. Remember, practice makes perfect, and mewing can feel strange or unnatural at first.
- Close Your Lips Gently
Begin by ensuring your lips are closed but not tightly pressed together. If you have trouble breathing through your nose, address any nasal obstruction issues first. Nasal breathing is vital for proper oral posture. - Place Your Tongue on the Roof of Your Mouth
Slide the tip of your tongue directly behind your upper front teeth, but do not let it push against them. The midsection and the back of your tongue should rise to fill the palate. This might require practice because many people rest their tongue on the floor of their mouth. - Maintain a Light Suction
Gently create a suction-like feeling so your tongue feels sealed to the roof of your mouth. Imagine trying to say the “N” sound, which can help place the tongue in the correct position. - Keep Your Jaw Relaxed
Mewing is not about clenching or forcing your jaw shut. Allow your jaw to relax while your tongue provides gentle upward pressure. - Stay Consistent
Adopting this posture throughout the day and even when you’re sleeping (if possible) is key to seeing results over time. Periodic reminders on your phone can help you build the habit.
Should Teeth Touch When Mewing?
The short answer: Ideally, your teeth should be lightly touching or very close to touching, but not forcefully clenched.
Why Light Contact Matters
In a neutral bite, the upper teeth and lower teeth often come into light contact or hover closely. This is sometimes called the “freeway space,” which is a small gap that exists when your jaw is at rest. If your teeth are too far apart or your jaw is hanging open, it usually indicates a dropped jaw posture and potentially a downward growth pattern over time (particularly in younger individuals who are still developing). Conversely, if your teeth are clenched too tightly, you may stress your jaw joints and facial muscles, potentially leading to discomfort or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues.
The Ideal State: Light Contact or Very Slight Separation
If you find your teeth are slightly apart—say, just a millimeter or so—and your tongue is comfortably on the palate, you are likely in a good resting posture. If your lips are closed and your facial muscles feel relaxed, you’re doing it right. The key is to avoid excessive tension. You don’t want to grind or clench your teeth.
Common Mewing Mistakes
In the quest to perfect mewing, people often fall into certain pitfalls. Let’s explore some of the most typical errors and how to correct them:
- Forcing the Jaw Shut
Some beginners clamp their jaws tight, believing it will provide more upward pressure. This can lead to teeth grinding and TMJ stress, causing pain in the long run. - Pressing the Tongue Too Far Forward
The tongue tip should rest right behind the front teeth, not pushing them. Constant forward force can cause tooth movement or gaps over an extended period. - Mouth Breathing
If you continue breathing through your mouth, your posture may revert to a low tongue position. Switching to consistent nasal breathing is essential for mewing to work effectively. - Overly Tense Lips
While closed lips are part of proper posture, they shouldn’t be pressed so tightly that your face and jaw become strained. Aim for gentle contact. - Inconsistent Practice
Like any posture correction technique, mewing requires daily awareness. If you only remember to mew occasionally, your body won’t adapt to the changes as effectively.
Benefits of Correct Mewing
People often start mewing for aesthetic reasons. However, the potential benefits go beyond a better jawline. Here are some advantages of consistent, correct mewing:
- Improved Facial Aesthetics
By encouraging a balanced facial structure, mewing may result in subtle changes to your jawline, cheekbones, and even the area around your eyes, especially when practiced from a younger age. - Better Breathing
Ensuring your tongue rests on the palate discourages mouth breathing and can help you breathe more efficiently through your nose. - Reduced Facial Tension
Many of us clench our jaws without even noticing. A relaxed but structured oral posture can alleviate stress in the jaw muscles and reduce risks of tension headaches. - Enhanced Posture Overall
Strangely enough, proper oral posture can also influence neck and head posture. When your jaw and tongue are well-aligned, you’re less likely to tilt your head forward or hunch your shoulders. - Support for Orthodontic Work
If you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment, proper oral posture can help maintain the alignment your braces or aligners achieve.
The Importance of Proper Oral Posture
So why do we emphasize “should teeth touch when mewing” so much? Oral posture isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s also a matter of long-term health. Here are key reasons to pay attention to this detail:
- Joint Health (TMJ)
The temporomandibular joint is incredibly sensitive to stress. Prolonged tension from teeth clenching can lead to clicking, jaw pain, or chronic headaches. - Dental Health
Keeping your teeth in light contact or at a slight distance ensures they’re not subjected to constant grinding. Over time, grinding or clenching can wear down enamel and even shift tooth alignment. - Digestive Benefits
Proper chewing starts in a well-aligned bite. If your jaw is out of alignment, you may not chew food thoroughly, which can affect digestion. - Airway Support
A tongue that rests on the palate can help maintain an open airway, possibly reducing the risk of certain sleep-related issues, such as snoring or mild sleep apnea (though severe cases require professional evaluation).
Mewing in Daily Life
Integrating Mewing into Your Routine
- Set Reminders: Place sticky notes around your home or set phone alarms. A consistent cue helps you remember to position your tongue correctly.
- Practice Nasal Breathing: Make a habit of breathing through your nose during exercise, at work, and especially when you’re sleeping. If nasal congestion is a problem, consult an ENT (ear, nose, throat) specialist.
- Monitor Your Posture: Check the alignment of your head and neck. Even the best mewing techniques won’t hold if you’re habitually slouching with your head tilted forward.
Nighttime Mewing
Many find it challenging to maintain proper tongue posture while asleep. However, you can adopt certain strategies:
- Elevate Your Head Slightly: A properly sized pillow can help you keep your mouth closed.
- Nasal Strips: If you have mild nasal congestion, nasal strips might encourage you to keep your lips closed.
- Mouth Taping (With Caution): Some advocates suggest using a small piece of porous tape to gently keep your lips closed. Always be cautious with this method and consult a professional if you have severe nasal obstruction or other health issues.
Conclusion
Mewing is a long-term commitment rather than a quick fix. The emphasis on “should teeth touch when mewing” stems from the desire to establish a healthy, relaxed, and well-aligned oral posture. Your teeth should be close together—lightly touching or hovering at a minimal distance—while your tongue remains pressed against the roof of your mouth. This approach helps maintain balance in the masticatory (chewing) system and supports efficient nasal breathing.
However, the practice extends beyond just your teeth. You should monitor your head position, neck posture, and nasal breathing habits. When done consistently and correctly, mewing may contribute to improved facial aesthetics, better breathing, and reduced tension in your jaw and facial muscles.
Remember, no single technique can magically change facial structure overnight, especially for adults whose bones have fused. Mewing is most effective when practiced from an early age and supported by a lifestyle that includes good posture, a nutritious diet, and possibly professional guidance if you face orthodontic or respiratory issues. The question “should teeth touch when mewing?” has a nuanced answer: aim for gentle contact or minimal separation, but avoid any undue strain or clenching.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Mewing Work for Everyone?
Mewing can help anyone improve their tongue posture and possibly enhance facial symmetry. However, the extent of visible changes varies from person to person, based on factors like age, genetics, and consistency of practice.
How Long Does It Take to See Results?
Some individuals report noticing subtle differences in a few months, while for others, it can take longer—sometimes over a year. Patience is key.
Can Mewing Replace Orthodontic Treatment?
No. If you have significant misalignment or jaw issues, professional advice from an orthodontist or dentist is crucial. Mewing can be a supportive practice, but it’s not a replacement for medical or dental interventions.
Should My Teeth Always Touch?
Your teeth should be lightly touching or very close to touching in a natural resting state, but never clenched. A small “freeway space” is normal when you’re totally relaxed.
What If My Jaw Hurts While Mewing?
If you experience pain, you might be overdoing it by pressing too hard or clenching. Ease off, focus on gentle suction of the tongue to the palate, and relax your jaw muscles.
6. Can I Mew If I Wear Braces or Aligners?
Yes, but consult with your orthodontist for personalized advice. Proper tongue posture is generally beneficial, but your dentist or orthodontist can tailor guidelines to your treatment plan.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or dental advice. Always consult with a qualified medical or dental professional for guidance specific to your situation, especially if you are experiencing pain or have pre-existing dental or medical conditions.
