Ever wondered if there is a natural way of improving your facial structure without expensive surgeries or braces? Well, here comes mewing, a technique promising just that. From TikTok to fitness forums, the thing has been quite the phenomenon of interest to many.
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What Is Mewing?
Named after the orthodontist, Dr. John Mew, who popularized the technique, the term refers to keeping your tongue correctly postured against the roof of your mouth. It’s hypothesized that by resting it there that it will affect the way your jaw and face adapt over time.
How It Works
Mewing allegedly activates muscles surrounding your jaw and cheeks by persistent exercising of tongue posture. Atees, done correctly, facilitate better alignment and potentially slight adjustments to the facial structure.
The Science Behind Mewing
When the tongue is positioned against the roof of the mouth, a soft pressure is exerted against the palate. Proponents of mewing believe that this, overtime, will expand the upper jaw, align the teeth and improve facial symmetry .
While anecdotal evidence shows better-proportioned jaws and cheekbone protrusion, scientific research studies on mewing are still very rare. Experts usually highlight that such skeletal changes are far more likely in younger persons with growing bones.
Can Mewing Change My Face?
Claims and Anecdotal Evidence
Many fans of the internet swear to the gospel of mewing, posting before-and-after photos that show off sharper jawlines and improved profiles. These testimonials are compelling, though skeptical eyes should be applied; results are highly personal and can vary wildly.
Expert Opinions
Dental and medical professionals are split on whether mewing works. Some claim that proper posture does indeed improve oral health and breath; however, they also warned against the expectation of drastic facial changes without other interventions.
How to Mew Properly
How to mew properly is easy to start with but to reap the potential benefits one needs to do it correctly.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Let your mouth close by itself as teeth lightly touching (not clamping).
- Put your whole tongue in full contact with the upper roof of your mouth (from the tip of your tongue to the rear of your tongue).
- Seal your lips and breathe through your nose.
- Keep doing this day after day.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Placing only the tip of your tongue on the roof instead of the whole tongue.
- Clenching your teeth or jaw, which can lead to discomfort.
- Expecting instant results; mewing is a long-term practice.
Mewing for Beginners
If you’re new to mewing, start with simple habits like setting reminders to check your tongue posture. Apps and online communities can also provide guidance and encouragement.
Advanced Mewing Practices
It’s only when you have complete mastery of the base that you can come on with or add jaw exercises or posture corrections that cooperate with mewing. These add-ons may further amplify effects as time progresses.
Benefits and Limitations of Mewing
Potential Improvements
- Definition and prominence of your jawline and cheeks.
- Improvement in your oral posture and nasal breathing
- Reduced symptoms of snoring and sleep apnea
Limitations and Realistic Expectations
- Changes are often subtle and take months or even years to notice.
- Results are more pronounced in children and teens than in adults.
- Mewing alone is unlikely to correct severe dental or jaw issues.
Who Should Mew?
Ideal Age Groups
Mewing is most effective for children and teenagers, whose facial bones are still in development. Adults can still try it but the effectiveness of it may not be that evident.
Health and Dental Conditions to Consider
If you think you have TMJ pain, crooked teeth, gum diseases, and other dental issues, consult a dentist or orthodontist before doing mewing. They will be able to tell whether this should be done in your situation or not.
Mewing vs. Other Facial Reshaping Methods
Comparison with Orthodontics and Surgery
- Mewing: Non-invasive, free. However, the results will be gradual and unpredictable.
- Orthodontics: Sensitive correction of the teeth arrangement along with the structure of the jaw. It is relatively costly and time-consuming.
- Surgery: Dramatic changes but risks involved, cost, and recovery period.
Pros and Cons
Mewing is a good point where one can begin and be beautiful without unnatural interventions, yet is not a substitute for professional interventions when needed.
