Mewing: The Technique and Its Potential Impact on Facial Structure

Ever wondered if it’s possible to reshape your jawline and enhance your facial structure without resorting to surgery or orthodontic work? Enter mewing, a tongue posture technique that has gained substantial attention online for its potential to do just that. But does it truly work? Let’s venture into the world of mewing to unravel its mysteries.

Key Takeaways

• Mewing is a facial restructuring technique based on the theory that proper tongue alignment and oral posture can influence jaw and facial growth.

• The science behind Mewing involves the functional matrix hypothesis, though its efficacy is still under debate.

• Alternatives to mewing are available for facial improvement, but it requires consistency and patience with potential risks of harm or mental health issues.

Unraveling the Mewing Phenomenon

Mewing, named after British orthodontist John Mew, is a facial restructuring technique that involves maintaining the tongue on the roof of the mouth to alter the shape of the jawline, promoting proper tongue alignment. This technique is purported to enhance:

• Facial structure and jawline

• Resolve sleep apnea

• Enhance breathing and swallowing

• Ameliorate joint pain

• Abate sinusitis

It is a social media’s alternative to cosmetic surgery, aiming to improve the face shape without surgical intervention.

Those in favor of mewing believe that tongue posture exercises might assist in the alignment of misaligned teeth and jaws. The concept is based on the belief that jaw and tongue malfunctions, including incorrect tongue position, can lead to teeth and jaw misalignments or other facial deformities. For instance, sustained mouth breathing can potentially affect certain areas of a person’s face, particularly their jawline. In fact, a study ascertained that children with a mouth-breathing habit experienced minor alterations in their facial profile.

Mewing is rooted in orthotropics, a field established by John Mew that focuses on guiding facial growth and development through proper oral posture. This British orthodontist proposed the theory that environmental and lifestyle factors, including oral posture, could alter the shape of human jaws. Having introduced mewing and its underlying principles, we proceed to scrutinize the role of orthotropics.

The Role of Orthotropics

Orthotropics, introduced by John Mew in the 1970s, is a treatment approach that focuses on guiding facial growth and development through the establishment of proper oral posture and function. This approach offers an alternative to orthognathic surgery and, in some cases, oral and maxillofacial surgery. It is based on the Tropic Premise theory that malocclusion, which can lead to loose or chipped teeth, is a postural deformity.

Orthotropics guides facial growth and development by focusing on the craniofacial structure, development, and function through postural and therapeutic exercises. Essentially, it offers an alternative to maxillofacial surgery. The orthotropic treatment approach employs techniques that promote correct oral posture and orofacial exercises to foster appropriate facial growth and development, helping to correct a misaligned jaw.

Having established the role of orthotropics, we proceed to examine the science behind mewing.

The Science Behind Mewing

The science underpinning mewing is based on the functional matrix hypothesis, which posits that facial bones can be developed through consistent and correct use, yet its efficacy is still subject to debate. The functional matrix hypothesis suggests that the position and shape of bones, as well as the formation of sutures, are determined by the functional requirements of the organism. Mewing, as a social media’s alternative technique, is based on this hypothesis.

Mewing is a technique that involves gradually acclimatizing oneself to resting the tongue against the palate rather than the floor of the mouth, seeking to alter the shape of one’s jawline over time, potentially avoiding the need for corrective jaw surgery. The functional matrix hypothesis posits that the growth and development of facial bones are influenced by functional forces, including muscle activity and soft tissue interactions. Consequently, Mewing seeks to maximize these functional forces through the maintenance of correct tongue posture and oral posture, thereby promoting proper facial growth and development.

While the functional matrix hypothesis provides a theoretical foundation for mewing, definitive scientific evidence corroborating the effectiveness of mewing remains elusive. This brings us to the practical aspects of mewing: how is it done, and what does it entail?

The Mewing Method: A Step-by-Step Guide

The correct tongue posture for mewing involves:

• Resting the tongue on the roof of the mouth rather than the bottom, which can help alleviate jaw pain.

• Suctioning the entire tongue, including the back, against the top of the mouth.

• Placing the tip of the tongue just behind the upper front teeth.

Maintaining this tongue position can be challenging, especially for beginners. Like learning a new exercise, it requires practice and patience. The goal is to make this tongue posture a habitual part of your everyday activities – speaking, swallowing, and even resting.

However, it’s important to avoid common errors when initiating mewing. These include:

• Lack of regularity in the application of the technique

• Neglecting to engage the posterior third of the tongue

• Placing only the tip of the tongue against the roof of the mouth

• Poor posture, including misalignment of the neck, back, and hips

• Mewing with only the tip of the tongue instead of the whole tongue

Let’s distinguish between hard mewing and soft mewing.

Hard Mewing vs. Soft Mewing

In the world of mewing, you’ll often hear about hard and soft mewing. Hard mewing involves applying significant pressure to the palate with the tongue, whereas soft mewing is a gentler approach, involving resting the tongue on the roof of the mouth to improve oral posture.

While some proponents claim that hard mewing may lead to quicker and more visible changes in facial structure, there is no scientific evidence to indicate that hard mewing yields better or swifter results than soft mewing. In fact, hard mewing might be counterproductive and even damaging if done incorrectly, potentially resulting in headaches and other health issues. Hard mewing should be approached with caution and it is advisable to seek professional guidance.

Let’s examine the potential benefits of mewing.

The Potential Benefits of Mewing

Mewing is believed to offer several potential benefits. For one, it may improve facial appearance and give you a sharper jawline. The practice of keeping the tongue on the roof of the mouth may lead to noticeable changes in the jaw’s shape over time, potentially enhancing one’s facial structure and aesthetics.

Additionally, mewing might improve breathing. By promoting proper tongue posture, mewing could potentially help open up the airways, supporting better nasal breathing and possibly alleviating symptoms of sleep apnea.

However, limited scientific evidence supports these benefits. While some clinicians, laypeople, and social media influencers assert that mewing is effective, the practice is still shrouded in controversy, which we’ll explore next.

The Controversy Surrounding Mewing

The mewing technique is not without its share of controversy. For starters, it’s been linked to the incel movement, a group of men who attribute their involuntary celibacy to women and societal expectations. The association of mewing with such a contentious online subculture has raised eyebrows and fueled skepticism about the technique’s legitimacy.

There is also an ongoing debate regarding the dearth of scientific evidence that backs mewing’s claims. The assertions that mewing can:

• permanently modify jaw structure

• address health concerns

• enhance jaw strength

• modify the contour of the face

• enhance appearance and health without surgery or orthodontic treatments

lack scientific corroboration. As of now, there’s no credible data to support these claims.

Skeptics of mewing posit that changes in facial structure attributed to mewing may result from natural growth and development instead of the technique itself. They also question the efficacy of mewing in adults, as bones and tissues might be less amenable to changes compared to children.

With these controversies in mind, let’s now examine the potential risks and drawbacks of mewing.

Risks and Drawbacks of Mewing

Like any health or aesthetic intervention, mewing carries potential risks. It could potentially harm facial structure if done incorrectly. For instance, mewing with excessive force or in an incorrect posture could lead to discomfort or even injury.

Moreover, mewing might exacerbate existing issues. For example, if someone with a pre-existing jaw or muscle issue practices mewing without professional guidance, they might worsen their condition. It’s therefore essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new health-related practice, including mewing.

Another concern is the potential negative impact on mental health. The emphasis on aesthetics and the desire for a specific facial shape could lead to unrealistic expectations and body image issues. As such, it’s crucial to approach mewing with a balanced perspective and not as a quick fix for perceived facial imperfections.

Let’s consider some alternatives to mewing.

Alternatives to Mewing for Facial Improvement

While mewing might be an interesting technique to explore, there are many established alternatives for facial improvement. These include braces and aligners to straighten teeth, palate expanders for widening the upper jaw, and jaw surgery for correcting misalignment. These interventions have been widely studied and are performed by trained professionals, offering more predictable results.

Various therapies are also available for improving the jaw and facial muscles. Some options include:

• Physical therapy: This can help strengthen the muscles.

• Massage therapy: This can assist in relaxation and reducing tension.

• Acupuncture: This can help reduce pain and enhance the functioning of the jaw.

For more serious conditions like sleep apnea, treatments like continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy are often recommended. And for speech disorders, speech therapy exercises can enhance one’s capacity to articulate various speech sounds, words, or sentence structures.

Let’s provide some practical tips for those considering practicing mewing.

Practical Tips for Mewing Success

If you’re considering practicing mewing, consistency is key. Mewing is a technique that requires regular practice over time to potentially see changes in facial structure. The tongue posture should be maintained as much as possible throughout the day, during activities like speaking, swallowing, and even resting.

Patience also plays a pivotal role in achieving successful mewing. It’s necessary to allow time for the muscles in the face and jaw to adjust to the new posture and alignment. Regular and patient implementation of mewing techniques may facilitate gradual changes in facial structure and alignment.

However, remember that mewing is not a substitute for professional treatments. If you’re seeking significant changes in your facial structure or dealing with serious oral health issues, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional.

Let’s recapitulate the key points discussed in this blog post.

Summary

We’ve ventured into the intriguing world of mewing, a technique that promises improved facial structure, a sharper jawline, and better breathing. Rooted in the field of orthotropics, mewing involves maintaining a specific tongue posture with the aim of influencing the shape of the jawline. However, the scientific evidence supporting these claims remains limited.

Despite the potential benefits, mewing is not without controversy and risks. It’s been linked to the incel movement, and its lack of scientific backing has raised skepticism. Potential risks include harm to facial structure, exacerbation of existing issues, and possible negative impacts on mental health. It’s crucial to approach mewing with a balanced perspective, remembering that it’s not a substitute for professional treatments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mewing technique?

Mewing is a facial reconstructing technique that involves keeping your tongue on the roof of your mouth to reshape your jawline and potentially alleviate any orthodontic issues, jaw pain or breathing difficulties. To properly mew, you must relax your tongue and make sure it’s entirely against the roof of your mouth, including the back of the tongue.

Does mewing actually work?

Experts agree that there is no evidence to support the notion that mewing can change facial shape. Trying to alter your jaw structure without healthcare provider guidance carries risks, and the chances of permanent change from mewing are slim. Therefore, it appears that mewing does not work.

Should I mew all day?

It is recommended to practice mewing for a few minutes daily in order to achieve the desired results, however the originators of this technique advise to do it all day for best results. Drink often while practicing to make it become second nature.

Does mewing work after 20?

Yes, mewing can still work after the age of 20, although it is more effective for those under 25. Orthotropic treatment recommends younger children are treated early on for better results, yet adults and adolescents may still experience positive changes by learning how to do the technique correctly.

What are the potential benefits of mewing?

Mewing may offer potential benefits such as improved facial appearance, sharper jawline and improved breathing, however, the scientific evidence to support these claims is currently limited.

This article is still a work in progress and was published on December 8, 2023, and last updated on December 8, 2023.