The desire for an attractive, chiseled jawline has driven trends from face molds to plastic surgery. But what if you could reshape your jaw using just your tongue? A technique called “how to mew” promises just that – by changing your tongue posture, proponents claim you can alter your facial structure over time. This tantalizing promise has sparked interest but also skepticism. In this article, we’ll explore what mewing is, whether it lives up to its jaw-changing claims, and if how to mew properly is worth attempting yourself.
While mewing has developed a cult following online, scientific evidence for its efficacy is still limited. By reviewing available research, expert opinions, and user experiences, we can better evaluate how to mew properly as well as mewing’s potential upsides and risks. Our goal is to cut through the hype and provide a balanced, nuanced look at this tongue posture practice so readers can judge for themselves if attempting how to mew exercises is right for them.
What is Mewing?
Mewing refers to maintaining proper tongue posture by resting the entire tongue against the roof of the mouth. This technique is named after British orthodontist Dr. John Mew, who popularized it as a way to guide facial development.
The concept suggests that the position of your tongue impacts facial growth and structure. By keeping proper tongue posture, proponents claim you can achieve an upward-grown maxilla (upper jaw) for improved facial aesthetics over time.
The Origins and Technique of Mewing
Mewing was pioneered in the 1990s by Dr. John Mew and further publicized by his son Dr. Mike Mew. As orthodontists, the Mews studied facial growth patterns and concluded that the modern diet and loss of proper oral posture were causing an epidemic of crooked teeth and poor facial development.
Their proposed solution was “orthotropics” – encouraging proper tongue posture and body posture to guide natural facial growth instead of relying on dental appliances and jaw surgery. Mewing aims to mimic the broader oral posture practices of orthotropics specifically to reshape the jawline.
To perform mewing, rest your entire tongue against the roof of your mouth, especially the back third. Keep your teeth together lightly while your lips seal shut. Aim to maintain this tongue posture every moment of the day, even while eating and speaking. Over months and years of consistent mewing, changes to your jawline may develop.
Some key mewing instructions include:
- Place the tip of your tongue against the ridge behind your front teeth.
- Keep the back third of your tongue firmly on the roof of your mouth.
- Maintain closed lips to avoid an open-mouth posture.
- Breathe through your nose, not your mouth.
- Swallow correctly by initiating the motion with your tongue, not your cheeks.
- Aim to mew 24/7, even while talking and eating.
Dedicated mewing takes commitment – but some believe the jawline results are worth it. Next, let’s examine the purported aesthetic benefits driving this self-improvement technique.
Claims and Purported Benefits of Mewing
The internet contains countless dramatic before-and-after images of mewing results. But is there any truth behind the tempting promise of mewing yourself to a chiseled jawline?
Advocates claim mewing can:
- Reshape the jawline to appear more defined
- Improve facial symmetry
- Upwardly rotate the maxilla for a better side profile
- Guide proper craniofacial growth in children
- Reduce sleep apnea and TMJ disorders
- Improve dental alignment when combined with orthotropics
The main driver behind mewing is the belief that tongue posture significantly impacts facial growth and aesthetics. By placing pressure on the maxilla and other facial structures, this posture practice promises to mold your jawline like clay.
The most touted mewing result is a sharper, more projected jawline – considered an attractive male trait in Western culture. However, objective evidence for this and other claimed mewing benefits remains limited.
Anatomical Perspective
To assess if mewing could truly reshape jawlines, we must first understand the underlying facial anatomy. Which structures might tongue posture influence, and what role do they play in defining the chin and jaw?
Jaw Anatomy and Growth Basics
The jaw comprises two main bones: the fixed mandible that forms the chin, and the movable maxilla above containing the upper teeth.
These facial bones don’t fully fuse and harden until early adulthood, remaining semi-malleable into the late teens. Before then, environmental influences like diet, habits, hormones, and gene expression direct jaw growth.
The tongue does rest against the maxilla inside the mouth. Some mewing proponents argue that by altering tongue posture, the forces on still-growing jaw bones could guide their development. But what does research say about this mechanism?
Tongue Influence on Jaw Growth
A few small animal and observational studies suggest tongue posture may impact craniofacial growth patterns. For example, mouth breathing and tongue thrusting forward are associated with narrower jaws and a more recessed chin. This indicates the tongue can exert force on jaw structures.
However, purposefully manipulating tongue posture to reshape mature facial bones remains scientifically unproven. While bones continue remodeling themselves to some degree, major structural changes become less likely after facial maturity.
More research is needed on specific tongue positions, like mewing, affecting jaw growth at different life stages. Anecdotes and internet theories alone cannot confirm mewing’s effectiveness. But now, let’s review what direct evidence exists.
Scientific Evidence
Despite over 25 years since mewing’s inception, no major clinical studies have directly investigated mewing’s impacts on facial structure. A few case studies provide limited insights, but overall scientific evidence for mewing remains sparse and inconclusive.
Limited Supporting Evidence
A 2014 case study followed two young patients undergoing orthotropic treatment, including mewing exercises. After 5 years, their profile photos showed improved facial symmetry and dental alignment, among other changes.
However, many factors were involved beyond mewing alone, so cause-and-effect conclusions cannot be drawn. This exemplifies the current research gap – no study has isolated mewing with a control group to make accurate assessments of its direct impacts.
Skepticism Among Experts
Without direct clinical evidence, many medical experts remain skeptical of how to mew and mewing’s proposed effects on jawline shape. Potential influences on facial bones likely diminish after puberty ends, leaving questions for adults attempting proper mewing tongue posture exercises.
Though some orthodontists acknowledge minor dental alignment upsides from gentle, correct how to mew techniques, all agree further research on mewing methods and jaw reshaping claims is imperative to distinguish facts from fiction.
Enthusiasts explore DIY facial restructuring through how to mew in hopes of similar facial changes, but overzealous, unmonitored mewing practices also pose risks without expert guidance on proper tongue posture techniques.
In a BBC interview, orthodontist Derek Mahony contested mewing as an unproven theory. He acknowledged the tongue’s role in tooth positioning but doubted its ability to alter jaw shape once growth plates fuse.
Thus, some dental professionals consider mewing improbable, if not impossible, for adults desiring major facial changes like a chiseled jaw. But not all experts wholly discount mewing’s potential upsides.
Expert Opinions
Orthodontic viewpoints on mewing vary, ranging from utter skepticism to cautious optimism. While mewing’s direct structural impacts remain unproven, some experts acknowledge possible benefits to alignment and wellbeing – if practiced properly.
Potential Benefits Suggested
In an interview with the London Post, dentist Dr. Rhona Eskander did not dismiss mewing outright. She stated it could improve some alignment issues over time by encouraging proper tongue posture.
Dr. Eskander also highlighted mewing’s possible usefulness for breathing and sleep disorders. If maintained gently, mewing may reduce obstruction risks. This demonstrates a more open-minded stance on assessing mewing’s effects.
Risks and Misconceptions Discussed
However, Dr. Eskander and other experts also warn of risks if individuals mew too aggressively or have underlying conditions. They emphasize mewing remains unproven for major jaw changes in adults.
Dentists have reported adverse effects of overzealous mewing as well, including jaw pain, speech impediments, and tooth misalignment requiring orthodontics. Users should approach mewing cautiously under professional guidance, not as a self-directed panacea.
In summary, while some dental experts acknowledge minor mewing benefits, all agree further research is imperative to understand its mechanisms and distinguish facts from fiction.
User Experiences and Testimonials
In the absence of robust clinical studies, user anecdotes dominate discussions of mewing “success” online. Self-reported experiences run the gamut from euphoric to negligible. We’ll sample both ends of this spectrum.
Positive Reports
Firsthand accounts boasting mewing results certainly exist. For example, a Reddit user named mewingprogression posted photos showing his sharpened jawline after one year of mewing exercises.
Such striking visible changes keep interest thriving in mewing’s potential. Yet even fans admit achieving results requires dedication through months, if not years, of perfect tongue posture. Those impatient for fast facial changes may be disappointed.
Negative Experiences
Meanwhile, trying mewing has yielded little to zero effects for other users. A YouTuber named Venatus recorded his two-year mewing journey without experiencing any jawline improvements.
Such testimonials demonstrate that mewing is no quick fix for poor facial aesthetics. Even committed practice for months may fail to give certain individuals their desired sharper jaw.
Overall, patient consistency over long timespans seems crucial for mewing progress. But no guarantee exists that one’s facial structure will change at all. Next, let’s explore best practices if attempting self-directed mewing.
How to Mew Correctly
While mewing’s impacts may vary individually, using proper technique gives you the best chance at potential benefits. Here are some top tips for mewing effectively and safely.
Get the Tongue Position Right
Firstly, correctly position your tongue to avoid strain. Rest just the tip against your front teeth, while the entire back third presses up into your palate.
Your tongue should not jam forcefully enough to cause pain or negatively impact teeth. Find a gentle yet firm position that you can maintain subconsciously.
Maintain Nasal Breathing
Do not mouth breathe while mewing, as opening your jaw misaligns the posture. Keep your lips sealed and breathe through your nose instead.
If nasal obstruction prevents this, address underlying issues first before attempting mewing exercises.
Consistency Is Key
While mewing, your tongue stays in position 24/7, even as you talk and eat. Constantly reminding your body of proper positioning trains the posture into habit.
At first, you may feel tongue strain after hours of conscious mewing. Power through the initial discomfort which fades as the muscles strengthen.
Have Realistic Expectations
Not everyone experiences visible mewing results. Expect gradual change over years, not dramatic differences within weeks or months. Take monthly photos for comparisons and stay motivated.
With dedication to proper tongue posture, mewing could pay off. But mistakes can also undermine progress.
Potential Risks and Misconceptions
In their eagerness for fast jawline enhancement, some mewers fall into harmful traps. We’ll clarify common mistakes to avoid as well as when to seek treatment for adverse signs.
Aggressive Mewing Causes Damage
In a rush for mewing results, people may overexert their tongue or clench facial muscles too tightly. This excessive force often backfires via TMJ pain, speech problems, and misaligned bite.
Remember, mewing aims to guide gradual change through gentle pressure, not force immediate alteration by crushing your palate.
Children Require Special Care
While mewing may benefit adults, improperly directing a child’s facial growth could necessitate serious orthodontics later.
Seeking orthotropic treatment for kids is safest under expert supervision, not as a self-directed experiment.
Certain Conditions Are Contraindicated
If you have connective tissue disorders, prior orthodontic intervention, or other underlying conditions, uncontrolled mewing could worsen problems. Always consult your dentist first.
They can assess if you require special precautions or whether to avoid mewing altogether.
By avoiding these common errors and heeding unusual symptoms, you can explore mewing’s potential benefits more safely. But other options exist too.
Alternatives to Mewing
Mewing is far from the only method people try for enhancing their facial aesthetics non-surgically. If inconsistent mewing fails to yield improvements, several other non-invasive approaches may supply the desired effects.
Proper Body and Head Posture
Like tongue posture, correcting your overall physical alignment can purportedly improve facial symmetry and structure over time. Stand, sit, and sleep upright without slouching or Correcting whole-body misalignment, not just the tongue, could enhance facial symmetry and attractiveness.
For example, a study found that slouched sitting exacerbates forward head issues, while upright posture keeps the spine, neck, and head properly stacked. Practicing good posture aligns the jaw as well.
Over time, changing engrained posture habits requires conscious effort. But certain exercises can help.
As one article suggested, daily wall stretches retrain muscles for upright head carriage. Yoga also builds postural endurance through positions benefiting alignment.
While evidence directly linking body posture to facial aesthetics is limited, ensuring proper physical mechanics facilitates bodily harmony.
Face Yoga
Just as body positions impact alignment, some claim facial exercises like face yoga also reshape structure.
Face yoga applies yoga principles to the face, using isometric holds to work various muscles. Proponents believe controlled strain encourages fat loss and muscle growth in the jaw and cheeks for added definition.
However, little research confirms specific facial change claims. As an ancient practice, face yoga lacks rigorous testing but shows promise for toning facial muscles.
Jawline Fillers
Unlike non-invasive mewing, injectable fillers physically introduce volume along the jaw border for an instantly sharper outline. Products like Restylane reshape the face safely yet temporarily.
But consistent upkeep makes fillers expensive long-term. Also, poor injection technique can distort the jaw. Still, when performed by a certified professional, fillers guarantee immediate enhancement lacking in mewing.
The various options carry different pros, cons, and evidence levels. Finding an approach suited to one’s budget, priorities, and anatomy is key.
Conclusion
Mewing brings together anatomical science and individual aspiration to cultivate alluring facial growth reminiscent of orthotropics. But current knowledge cannot deem mewing fully legitimate or illegitimate.
The tongue likely plays some role in shaping craniofacial development. And anecdotal self-reports indicate mewing’s clear benefits for some people.
Yet quality research directly isolating mewing remains scarce. Expert skepticism endures until controlled studies demonstrate real structural impacts on mature jaws.
In the meantime, gentle short-term mewing brings few risks and plausible alignment upsides. But unrealistic expectations around radical cosmetic change often outpace reality.
For lasting mewing “success,” balance patience with perseverance and supplement tongue posture with broader wellness habits. Or try alternatives if mewing alone fails to reshape your jawline.
The mewing jury may stay out until more concrete evidence emerges. But a quest for self-improvement rooted in scientific possibility beats resignation any day.
Have you tried mewing or orthotropic methods yourself? Share your experiences below! We would love to hear your perspectives on the effects firsthand.
If interested in optimizing your health and facial structure through posture techniques, be sure to bookmark our blog. We empower readers with the latest evidence-based methods for looking and feeling your best from head to toe.
