What Is Mewing?
Mewing is a term used to describe a method of maintaining correct tongue posture, particularly by placing the entire tongue against the roof of the mouth. While it sounds straightforward, it’s often overlooked in daily life. Dr. Mike Mew, an orthodontist, and his father, Dr. John Mew, developed this theory of “orthotropics,” which emphasizes proper tongue positioning for better facial development.
This approach suggests that when we place our tongues correctly, the upward pressure against the palate promotes forward growth of the maxilla (the upper jaw). This influence can, in theory, improve facial symmetry and possibly reduce issues such as mouth breathing, snoring, and suboptimal jaw alignment.
The term “mewing” has become popular on the internet, thanks to numerous anecdotal accounts and viral before-and-after photos. However, it’s not a magic bullet or a quick fix. Instead, it requires consistent practice over time to see noticeable results.
How Mewing Gained Popularity
Before diving into the science and technique, it’s helpful to understand why mewing caught the internet’s attention in the first place:
- Social Media Buzz: Platforms like YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and forums have showcased countless “mewing before and after” transformations. These posts often spark curiosity, leading to further investigation and trial by those looking to improve their facial features.
- Simplicity: Mewing is appealing because it seems to require minimal effort—no special equipment, no expensive dental procedures, and no complicated routines. You can mew while watching TV, studying, or working.
- Accessibility: Mewing instructions are widely available online, so anyone can try it without cost. This accessibility encourages even more people to attempt mewing, accelerating the trend’s growth.
- Potential Health Benefits: Some proponents claim mewing can help correct breathing habits, posture, and jaw-related issues, elevating it beyond aesthetics into a more health-oriented practice.
While online discussions can occasionally exaggerate results or overlook the importance of medical guidance, the sheer volume of anecdotal success stories has contributed to mewing’s viral status.
The Science Behind Mewing
Mewing primarily revolves around two concepts: tongue posture and jaw development. Let’s look at the science behind these factors.
- Proper Tongue Posture
Proper tongue posture entails resting the entire tongue (including the back portion) against the roof of your mouth, just behind the upper front teeth. This placement can help maintain a healthy oral environment and promote nose breathing. When you keep your mouth closed and tongue pressed against the palate, it encourages your jaw to remain in a more forward position. - Facial Growth & Development
Advocates of mewing argue that maintaining correct tongue posture can gently guide the maxilla (upper jaw) forward over time. This forward growth may then affect your facial profile, making it appear more balanced and defined. - Breathing Mechanisms
Correct tongue posture encourages nasal breathing instead of mouth breathing. Nasal breathing has several benefits, including better filtration of air and improved oxygen intake. Some studies suggest that chronic mouth breathing can contribute to a long, narrow facial shape. Thus, consistent nasal breathing could potentially support more balanced facial development. - Skeletal vs. Soft Tissue Changes
While some proponents claim that mewing can bring about large skeletal changes, mainstream orthodontics usually asserts that significant bone remodeling in adults is limited. However, there is recognition that soft tissue, such as muscles, and minor bone remodeling can adapt to new posture habits over time. So, some changes may occur—just not always as dramatically as seen in certain online “before and after” comparisons. - Consistency & Time
Like any posture correction, mewing requires consistent application for months, if not years. Doing it occasionally or incorrectly will likely yield minimal results. Small changes in facial structure, muscle tone, and alignment can happen, but they are rarely instantaneous.
Benefits of Mewing
Mewing can potentially provide several benefits, ranging from aesthetic improvements to overall health boosts. Here are some commonly reported perks:
- Enhanced Jawline Definition
Many people notice a more pronounced jawline over time. This may be partly due to the posture change that discourages mouth breathing, which in turn can reduce the appearance of a “weak chin.” - Improved Facial Symmetry
The forward and upward positioning of the maxilla could result in a more harmonized facial structure. In some cases, people report a better cheekbone appearance. - Better Posture and Breathing
By closing your mouth and resting your tongue on the palate, you’re more likely to breathe through your nose. Nasal breathing can improve respiratory function and may encourage better posture throughout the neck and shoulders. - Reduction in Mouth Breathing
Chronic mouth breathing can lead to dryness, gum issues, and other oral health problems. Mewing trains you to keep your mouth closed more often, benefiting oral health. - Potential Boost in Self-Confidence
Whether real or perceived, even small changes in facial appearance can greatly influence self-esteem. Mewing can provide a sense of control over one’s appearance, which often translates into boosted confidence.
It’s important to note that not everyone experiences all these benefits. Genetics, age, and consistency play significant roles in determining the extent and rate of improvement.
Mewing Before and After: Key Transformations
This section directly addresses the core of the internet’s fascination with mewing: the “before and after” photos. While images can be impressive, consider the following points:
- Facial Posture vs. Actual Structural Change
An immediate difference in photos may reflect posture adjustments rather than permanent structural changes. For example, if someone holds their head higher, tucks in their chin, and places their tongue against the palate, their face may look more sculpted. This difference is not necessarily permanent; it’s the result of proper posing or posture. - Soft Tissue Adaptations
Over time, soft tissues in your cheeks and around your jaw can adapt to sustained changes in tongue posture. This adaptation may make the face look slimmer or more defined. However, these changes often occur slowly. - Lifestyle Factors
Many individuals who start mewing also adopt healthier habits, such as better nutrition, regular exercise, and correct posture. These lifestyle changes can boost overall facial and body aesthetics, and it may be difficult to differentiate these improvements from mewing alone. - Age and Genetic Factors
Younger individuals (particularly children and teens) may experience more noticeable changes in facial structure because their bones are still developing. Adults can still see improvements, but the transformation is usually subtler and takes longer. - Evaluating Before and After Photos Critically
- Lighting and Angles: Different camera angles, lighting conditions, and facial expressions can create the illusion of dramatic changes.
- Photo Editing: Some images circulating online are edited or taken from unverified sources. Approach them with caution.
- Timeframe: Some transformations depicted might have occurred over several years, not weeks.
In short, while “mewing before and after” images can be inspiring, they should be viewed with a discerning eye. Real, lasting changes typically come from long-term, consistent practice combined with a healthy lifestyle.
Step-by-Step Guide to Mewing Properly
If you decide to try mewing, it’s vital to do it correctly. Misplacement of the tongue or strain on the jaw can lead to discomfort or minimal results. Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure you’re on the right track:
- Find Your Palate
- Close your mouth gently.
- Run your tongue along the roof of your mouth until it rests comfortably behind your upper front teeth.
- Avoid pressing against your teeth. Instead, your tongue should rest slightly behind them.
- Flatten the Tongue
- Ensure the entire surface of your tongue (from the tip to the back) makes contact with the palate.
- Focus on pushing the back of your tongue upward; many people only raise the tip, which is not optimal.
- Maintain a Sealed Lip Posture
- Keep your lips gently sealed.
- Avoid excessive tension around your mouth; you don’t want to force your lips together.
- Breathe Through Your Nose
- Always try to inhale and exhale through your nose.
- If you struggle with nasal congestion, consider consulting a healthcare professional to address any airway blockages.
- Relax Your Jaw and Neck
- Don’t clench your teeth.
- Keep your neck and jaw muscles relaxed.
- If you feel strain, reposition your tongue and check for tension.
- Practice Consistently
- The best results come from making this your default resting posture, not just an occasional exercise.
- Remind yourself throughout the day to return to the correct posture.
- Stay Patient
- It’s normal to feel awkward or fatigued initially.
- You may experience mild discomfort in your jaw or tongue muscles at first. Gradual adaptation is part of the process.
Common Mewing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Mewing seems simple, but it’s easy to slip into incorrect habits. Here are some common mistakes and ways to fix them:
- Only Pressing the Tip of the Tongue
- Mistake: Pressing only the front portion of your tongue against the palate, leaving the back portion hanging.
- Solution: Practice lifting the back of your tongue until you feel your entire tongue making contact. It helps to swallow and notice how the tongue naturally molds to the roof of your mouth.
- Over-Clenching the Jaw
- Mistake: Tightly clenching your teeth or locking your jaw while mewing.
- Solution: Keep a small gap between your upper and lower teeth. Relax your facial muscles and ensure you aren’t exerting too much force.
- Forcing Lip Closure
- Mistake: Exerting excessive pressure to keep lips together, leading to tension in the mouth and cheeks.
- Solution: Gently seal your lips. If you find yourself straining, reposition your tongue or relax for a moment.
- Neglecting Nasal Breathing
- Mistake: Continuing to breathe through your mouth while attempting mewing posture.
- Solution: Focus on nasal breathing. If you have chronic congestion, see a doctor or ENT specialist.
- Expecting Immediate Results
- Mistake: Getting discouraged after a few days or weeks with no visible changes.
- Solution: Remember that mewing is a long-term commitment. Assess your progress over months, not days.
Realistic Expectations and Timeframes
Mewing is not an overnight fix. While many “mewing before and after” photos show dramatic transformations, the reality is typically more subtle and gradual. Here’s what you can anticipate:
- Short-Term Changes (0-3 Months)
- You may feel your tongue posture improve and become more second-nature.
- Posture changes might make your face appear slightly more defined when you look in the mirror, but structural changes will likely be minimal.
- Mid-Term Changes (3-12 Months)
- Minor improvements in jaw definition may become noticeable.
- You could experience a decrease in mouth breathing and even better sleep quality if you were previously a chronic mouth breather.
- Long-Term Changes (1 Year and Beyond)
- Potentially more defined cheekbones and a sharper jawline, especially if combined with healthy lifestyle habits like proper diet and exercise.
- Gradual improvements in facial symmetry.
- An ingrained habit of correct tongue posture that could help maintain any soft tissue or minor skeletal adaptations you’ve gained.
- Variables That Affect Progress
- Age: Younger people might see changes faster because their facial structure is still developing.
- Genetics: You can’t alter inherited bone structure drastically, but posture might enhance what you already have.
- Consistency: Mewing daily versus sporadically will yield different outcomes.
- Overall Health: Better nutrition, reduced body fat, and good dental health can magnify the benefits.
Additional Tips for Improved Facial Aesthetics
Mewing is just one part of a holistic approach to enhancing your facial appearance. If you’re looking to optimize results, consider these additional strategies:
- Maintain a Healthy Diet
- High-protein, nutrient-rich foods support muscle health and overall vitality.
- Staying hydrated can improve skin quality and help reduce facial puffiness.
- Exercise Regularly
- Facial exercises, such as cheek lifts or jaw movements, might complement mewing.
- General physical activity can help regulate body fat, leading to more defined facial features.
- Get Adequate Sleep
- Adequate rest supports tissue repair and hormone balance, both of which can affect facial appearance.
- Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.
- Check Your Posture
- Apart from tongue posture, ensure your neck and spine alignment are correct.
- Slouching can emphasize a recessed chin or create a double-chin appearance.
- Seek Professional Advice
- If you have severe orthodontic issues, consulting an orthodontist or dentist is essential.
- Professional guidance can help address issues like misalignment, airway obstruction, or TMJ disorders.
Conclusion
Mewing has gained popularity for a good reason: it’s simple, cost-free, and offers plausible benefits for both aesthetics and overall oral health. However, expectations should be grounded in reality. While “mewing before and after” images can be motivational, remember that each person’s face responds differently based on factors like age, genetics, and consistency. Mewing is not an overnight miracle but rather a posture correction habit that can lead to subtle, gradual changes over time.
If you decide to start mewing, focus on correct form, patience, and a broader lifestyle approach that includes a healthy diet, regular exercise, and proper sleep. When done consistently, mewing can become a valuable tool for improving facial posture, increasing self-confidence, and supporting better oral health.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical or dental advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider or orthodontist if you have concerns about your oral health, facial structure, or breathing. The results of mewing can vary widely from person to person, and no specific outcome is guaranteed.
