At its core, mewing is a technique that involves proper tongue posture to potentially influence facial development, jaw alignment, and overall oral health. The word “mewing” stems from Dr. John Mew and Dr. Mike Mew, British orthodontists who advocate for an orthotropic approach to facial growth and development.
The primary principle behind mewing is that the tongue should rest against the roof of the mouth (the palate) at all times—except while speaking or eating. Proper tongue posture and closed-mouth breathing can, over time, promote positive changes in jaw structure, teeth alignment, and facial appearance.
In the simplest terms, “mewing meaning” can be described as the conscious practice of maintaining optimal tongue posture to support natural facial and dental alignment. Although the concept of mewing is often marketed as a quick fix for a sharper jawline, it’s actually more about long-term functional change in how the muscles of the face and mouth work together.
The Origins of Mewing
The concept of mewing originated with Dr. John Mew, an orthodontist who developed the theories of orthotropics—a discipline focused on guiding the growth of children’s facial bones using natural means. His son, Dr. Mike Mew, continued this legacy and popularized the practice on social media.
Orthotropics centers on the idea that correct oral posture can help guide facial growth in a more forward and horizontal direction (as opposed to a downward direction that can lead to a longer, less balanced face). Dr. John Mew’s research largely emphasized that children’s facial development could be influenced by proper breathing, chewing, and resting oral posture.
More recently, the internet and social media platforms played a pivotal role in spreading awareness about mewing. Videos, before-and-after photos, and anecdotal testimonials quickly sparked a global community of followers. While many support these claims, the medical community remains cautious, as comprehensive, peer-reviewed studies on mewing’s efficacy in adults are still limited.
The Science Behind Mewing
Mewing is based on certain anatomical and physiological principles:
- Bone Remodeling: Bone is dynamic and can remodel itself in response to consistent stress or pressure. If you maintain your tongue in contact with the palate for extended periods, it may provide a slight but continuous upward pressure. Over time, this pressure can contribute to changes in upper jaw and palate shape.
- Muscle Function and Posture: The muscles in your face, neck, and jaw influence your posture and appearance. When you train your tongue to rest at the roof of your mouth, you may improve facial muscle balance, potentially leading to a more defined jaw and cheekbones.
- Breathing Patterns: Mewing encourages nasal breathing rather than mouth breathing. Nasal breathing is often associated with better filtration of air, improved facial growth in children, and reduced risk of certain orthodontic issues. Adults who learn to keep their tongues up and lips sealed might experience a gradual improvement in resting facial posture.
However, it is crucial to note that scientific data supporting dramatic facial transformation in adults is still limited. While anecdotal reports suggest that consistent practice of proper tongue posture can bring noticeable differences, more rigorous and long-term studies are needed to confirm these claims.
How to Mew Correctly
Mewing may sound straightforward, but it requires mindful practice. The key is to make correct tongue posture a habit, so your muscles and bones receive consistent, gentle pressure over time.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Close Your Mouth Gently: Keep your lips together but avoid pressing them tightly. You should be able to breathe comfortably through your nose.
- Find the Correct Tongue Position: Place the entire surface of your tongue (including the back and middle sections) against the roof of your mouth. You might need to swallow or roll your tongue upwards to find a comfortable position. Make sure you’re not just pressing the tip of your tongue.
- Seal the Tongue Against the Palate: Apply light, consistent pressure, as if you were suctioning your tongue to the palate. Avoid pushing too hard; your tongue should rest comfortably, not strain.
- Breathe Through Your Nose: Nasal breathing is a critical aspect of mewing. Keep your airways clear, and practice inhaling and exhaling gently through your nostrils. If you often feel nasal congestion, consider consulting a medical professional to address underlying issues.
- Relax Your Jaw: Your back teeth should lightly touch or come close to touching. Do not clench or grind. Maintaining a relaxed jaw helps relieve tension and prevents strain on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
- Maintain Good Posture: While mewing, you should also pay attention to your overall body posture. Keep your back straight and shoulders relaxed. This holistic approach supports the natural alignment of your neck and jaw.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying Excessive Force: Overly aggressive tongue pressure can lead to tension headaches, TMJ issues, and discomfort.
- Forgetting the Posterior Tongue: Many beginners only focus on the tip of the tongue. Make sure the middle and back of your tongue also contact the palate.
- Mouth Breathing: If you catch yourself breathing through your mouth, consciously switch to nasal breathing. Mouth breathing contradicts the principles of mewing.
- Impatience: Mewing is a long-term practice. Don’t expect dramatic changes in a few days or weeks. Consistency is key.
Potential Benefits of Mewing
Many people are drawn to mewing by promises of a more defined jawline. However, the potential benefits extend beyond aesthetics. While individual results vary and are not guaranteed, below are some possible improvements that proponents of mewing often highlight:
Improved Facial Structure
- Jawline Definition: Consistent tongue posture might help support jaw growth and positioning, creating a more pronounced jawline.
- Cheekbone Emphasis: If your mid-face is lacking support due to a lower tongue posture, raising it could subtly change the way your cheeks appear.
- Reduced Facial Asymmetry: While severe asymmetries may require professional treatment, mewing could potentially help minimize mild imbalances over time.
Better Posture and Breathing
- Neck and Upper Body Alignment: When you keep your tongue on the roof of your mouth, you might notice you naturally sit or stand taller.
- Nasal Breathing: Training yourself to breathe through your nose can offer numerous benefits, such as improved oxygen intake and a decreased likelihood of snoring or sleep apnea (though these conditions often require medical diagnosis and treatment).
Enhanced Oral Health
- Tongue Strength and Function: Proper tongue positioning could help strengthen your tongue muscles, which may be beneficial in swallowing and overall oral function.
- Potentially Better Bite Alignment: Some people find that mewing helps keep their upper and lower teeth in a more natural alignment, although significant orthodontic issues usually require professional intervention.
- Lip Seal and Moisture Retention: Keeping your lips sealed and breathing through the nose can help maintain oral moisture levels, reducing the risk of dry mouth and related dental issues.
It’s important to manage expectations. While some individuals claim dramatic transformations, others notice only subtle differences. Each person’s facial structure and genetics will play a major role in how mewing manifests results, if at all.
Risks, Criticisms, and Limitations
Like any other trend in health and wellness, mewing is not without its share of skepticism and criticism. Orthodontic professionals caution that while there may be some merits, mewing could be:
- Overhyped: Many people online share anecdotal stories without solid scientific backing.
- Ineffective for Adults in Certain Cases: Adult facial structures and bones have largely fused, making significant changes less likely. Subtle improvements might be possible, but dramatic alterations are not guaranteed.
- Potentially Harmful if Done Incorrectly: Overly forceful tongue pressure can strain the jaw or lead to tension headaches. Incorrect techniques may cause more harm than good.
- Not a Substitute for Professional Help: If you have serious bite problems, speech issues, or TMJ pain, you should seek the advice of a qualified professional rather than relying solely on mewing.
Remember that mewing is not a quick fix or a standalone medical treatment. It’s a supportive technique that, in some cases, could complement orthodontic care or physical therapy.
Mewing vs. Orthodontic Intervention
If you have moderate to severe orthodontic issues such as crowded teeth, overbites, underbites, or crossbites, you may wonder whether mewing can replace traditional orthodontic treatments like braces or aligners. In most cases, mewing alone is insufficient for correcting serious misalignments or structural problems.
- Orthodontic Treatment: Involves the application of directed forces through braces or aligners to shift teeth and adjust the jaw structure over time.
- Mewing: Primarily focuses on proper tongue posture and the natural processes of bone remodeling and muscle engagement.
While mewing might be a useful adjunct for maintaining correct oral posture, experts typically recommend that you consult an orthodontist if you have significant functional or aesthetic concerns. Mewing can be complementary but should not replace professional diagnosis and treatment.
FAQs About Mewing
How Long Does It Take to See Results?
Results vary widely and depend on age, genetics, and consistency of practice. Some individuals claim to see subtle changes in a few months, while others notice differences only after a year or more.
Can I Mew While Sleeping?
Mewing during sleep is challenging because you’re unconscious. However, if you practice correct tongue posture consistently during the day, you might find it easier to maintain that posture unconsciously over time.
Is Mewing Only for Younger People?
Children and teenagers whose bones are still developing might experience more pronounced changes compared to adults. However, adults can still benefit from improved posture, nasal breathing, and possible minor facial adjustments.
Do I Need Special Tools or Devices?
Mewing doesn’t require any special tools; it’s purely a tongue posture technique. That said, you might benefit from nasal dilators or similar aids if you have chronic nasal congestion, but these are separate from the mewing method itself.
Does Mewing Hurt?
Properly executed mewing should not hurt. Mild fatigue in the tongue and facial muscles can be normal, especially when you’re learning, but discomfort should subside as you adapt. If you feel pain or persistent soreness, consider reducing tongue pressure and consulting a professional.
Conclusion
Mewing is more than just a social media fad. At its core, it’s about mindful tongue posture, nasal breathing, and holistic facial care. While mewing enthusiasts claim it helps create a more defined jawline, supports better oral health, and improves posture, the scientific evidence is still emerging, especially for adults seeking dramatic changes.
That being said, if you approach mewing with realistic expectations and incorporate it into a broader health regimen—good posture, regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and possible orthodontic consultation—there’s little downside to adopting healthy tongue posture. You may notice subtle, positive shifts in your appearance, comfort, and breathing over time.
In summary, the meaning of mewing involves the consistent practice of resting your tongue against the roof of your mouth, breathing through your nose, and maintaining a relaxed jaw. It’s a lifestyle habit that can support facial symmetry and oral well-being, especially when used in conjunction with professional guidance where needed.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or professional advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional or orthodontist for personalized guidance and treatment. The techniques and suggestions mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone, and results can vary widely from person to person.
