Mewing is a popular tongue posture technique that has gained traction online for its purported ability to reshape the jawline and enhance facial aesthetics. Proponents suggest that by consciously changing the resting position of your tongue in your mouth, you can achieve a more defined jawline and improve your overall facial structure. Beyond cosmetic claims, some enthusiasts also suggest mewing can alleviate conditions like sleep apnea and sinusitis.
The practice is named after the British orthodontist John Mew, who began advocating for this method in the 1970s as an alternative approach to traditional orthodontics. Mew and his son, Michael Mew, also an orthodontist, are proponents of “orthotropics,” a philosophy centered around “jaw posture” that includes retraining tongue positioning. It’s important to note that John Mew had his dental license stripped in 2019 by Britain’s General Dental Council, and Michael Mew faced a misconduct hearing and was expelled from the British Orthodontic Society in 2022, though he continues to practice orthodontics as of June 2024. The term “mewing” itself arose from online communities interested in applying orthotropic principles to alter their jawline appearance, initially intended for children with developing jaws.
How to Perform Mewing: The Technique Explained
While orthotropics is primarily aimed at children aged 5-10, according to the North American Association of Facial Orthotics, some older children and adults attempt mewing, though results may be less pronounced. Instructions for mewing vary slightly, but the core technique involves these steps:
- Begin by closing your mouth and ensuring your jaw is relaxed.
- Gently reposition your lower jaw so your bottom front teeth are positioned just behind your upper front teeth.
- The crucial step is to flatten your entire tongue against the roof of your mouth, ensuring the whole tongue is in contact with your palate.
- Position the tip of your tongue on the hard palate, just behind your upper front teeth, without actually touching the teeth. Your teeth should be lightly touching, but avoid clenching your jaw muscles.
- Maintain this tongue posture for 10-20 seconds initially, gradually increasing the duration as you become more comfortable. Repeat this exercise several times throughout the day.
- Gradually extend the holding time in 30-second increments until you can comfortably maintain the mewing tongue posture throughout the day for extended periods.
A helpful tip to find the correct tongue position is to pronounce the “ng” sound, as in words like “sing” or “hang”. This sound naturally elevates the back of the tongue to the palate. Another recommended practice is to consciously focus on nasal breathing rather than mouth breathing, as this encourages proper tongue posture.
It’s essential to understand that achieving noticeable changes in jawline or facial structure through mewing is a long-term process that can take years of consistent practice.
Does Mewing Really Work? Examining the Evidence and Expert Opinions
While anecdotal evidence and online communities champion mewing’s effectiveness in enhancing jawlines and addressing certain health issues, it’s crucial to approach these claims with a balanced perspective. The scientific evidence supporting mewing, particularly in adults, is limited. Orthotropics, the foundation of mewing, is recognized as potentially beneficial for young children during jaw development, but its efficacy in older individuals is less established and often debated within the orthodontic community.
Orthodontic professionals generally emphasize that significant alterations to adult facial structure are primarily achieved through conventional orthodontic treatments, and in some cases, surgical interventions. Claims that mewing can effectively treat conditions like sleep apnea or sinusitis should be discussed with healthcare professionals, as these conditions often require evidence-based medical treatments.
While adopting proper tongue posture and nasal breathing habits encouraged by mewing may contribute to overall oral and facial muscle balance, and potentially improve minor aesthetic aspects over time, it is not a substitute for established medical or orthodontic treatments. If you are considering mewing, it is advisable to consult with a qualified orthodontist or healthcare professional to discuss realistic expectations and appropriate treatment options for your specific needs.
