The internet has a knack for churning out health and wellness trends, and “mewing” is no exception.  Videos showcasing dramatic jawline transformations through a particular tongue posture have garnered millions of views,  leaving many wondering:  Is mewing legit,  or just another fad?  

This article delves into the world of mewing,  exploring its origins,  potential benefits,  and the scientific evidence surrounding this practice.

Origin Story: The Mew Method and Orthotropics

The concept of mewing stems from the teachings of John Mew,  a British orthodontist who,  along with his son Mike Mew,  developed a practice called “orthotropics.”  Orthotropics emphasizes facial development influenced by tongue posture and proper breathing habits.  

John Mew,  who lost his dental license in the UK in 2019 due to ethical concerns,  believed that modern orthodontic practices,  like braces,  artificially straightened teeth without addressing the underlying cause of misalignment.  Mewing,  a core tenet of orthotropics,  involves resting the tongue in a specific position against the roof of the mouth to supposedly promote wider jaw development and improved facial aesthetics.

The Mewing Technique: A Balancing Act

So,  what exactly is mewing?  Here’s a breakdown of the purported technique:

Tongue Placement: The core principle involves resting the entire tongue, including the back third, flat against the roof of the mouth. The tip of the tongue should ideally touch behind the upper front teeth.

Posture: Maintaining good posture is said to complement mewing, with the neck elongated and the head balanced directly over the spine.

Breathing: Orthotropics emphasizes nasal breathing as the ideal breathing pattern, believing it promotes proper facial development.

The Allure of Mewing: Potential Benefits and Transformations

Proponents of mewing claim it can lead to a range of benefits,  including:

Improved Jawline: The core appeal of mewing lies in its potential to reshape the jawline, creating a more defined and chiseled appearance.

Straighter Teeth: Some believe mewing can naturally widen the jaw, potentially alleviating overcrowding and improving teeth alignment.

Better Breathing: Proper tongue posture and nasal breathing, emphasized in mewing, are believed to improve overall respiratory health.

However,  it’s important to remember that these claims are largely anecdotal and lack strong scientific backing.

Science on the Sidelines:  Weighing the Evidence for Mewing

While some studies suggest that facial development can be influenced by environmental factors like tongue posture and breathing patterns,  the research on mewing specifically is scarce.  

Here’s a closer look at the current scientific landscape:

Limited Research: There are no robust clinical trials investigating the effectiveness of mewing for jawline improvement or teeth alignment.

Focus on Early Development: Existing research on tongue posture and facial development primarily focuses on infants and young children, whose facial structures are more malleable. The impact of mewing in adults remains unclear.

Alternative Explanations: Anecdotal evidence of jawline changes could be due to weight loss, muscle development, or even the placebo effect.

Beyond the Hype:  Healthy Practices for a Strong Jawline

While the jury’s still out on mewing,  there are safe and scientifically supported ways to promote a healthy jawline and overall facial health:

Balanced Diet: A diet rich in essential nutrients, including calcium and vitamin D, supports healthy bone growth and development, including the jawbone.

Facial Exercises: Certain facial exercises, when performed correctly, can strengthen and tone jaw muscles, potentially contributing to a more sculpted appearance. Consulting a certified professional for guidance is recommended.

Maintaining Good Posture: Just like mewing emphasizes, good posture promotes proper facial alignment and can contribute to a more defined jawline.

The Takeaway:  Mewing – A Trend with Reservations

Mewing might seem like a quick fix for an enhanced jawline,  but the current scientific evidence doesn’t support its effectiveness.  Focusing on a balanced diet,  proper posture,  and consulting a healthcare professional or dentist for personalized advice are safer and more reliable strategies for achieving optimal facial health.  

Remember,  healthy habits take time and consistency to yield sustainable results.

FAQs

The term “mewing” has exploded in popularity, particularly on YouTube. But what exactly does it mean, and is there any truth to the claims surrounding it? This FAQ tackles your burning questions about mewing.

What is mewing?

It refers to a specific tongue posture where you rest your tongue flat against the roof of your mouth, with the tip touching the back of your upper front teeth. Proponents claim it can reshape your jawline, improve breathing, and even alleviate facial pain.

Who started mewing?

The concept of proper tongue posture has been around for a while, but the term “mewing” is attributed to the British orthodontist John Mew and his son, Mike Mew. However, it’s important to note that John Mew’s dental license was revoked in the UK due to practicing outside his scope.

What are the supposed benefits of mewing?

Reshaped Jawline: It is claimed to create a more defined, chiseled jawline by supposedly stimulating bone growth in the jaw.

Improved Breathing: Proper tongue posture is said to improve airway space, leading to better breathing.

Reduced Facial Pain: Some believe mewing can alleviate jaw pain caused by TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) dysfunction.

Is there any scientific evidence to support these claims?

There’s currently limited scientific research directly on it. However, proper tongue posture is recognized by some dentists and orthodontists as potentially beneficial for:

Maintaining proper oral development

Aiding in proper swallowing

Improving speech clarity

What do Youtube videos say about mewing?

Many Youtube videos promote it, often showcasing dramatic before-and-after transformations. However, be cautious. These claims are often anecdotal and lack scientific backing. Additionally, some techniques might be potentially harmful.

Can mewing actually change your jawline?

While some orthodontists believe proper tongue posture can influence facial development in growing children, there’s no guarantee it will significantly alter your jawline as an adult. More research is needed.

Is mewing safe?

It itself is generally considered safe. However, improper technique or excessive force can potentially lead to jaw pain or TMJ issues.

What are some alternatives for a defined jawline?

Orthodontics: Braces or Invisalign can effectively reshape your jaw and teeth.

Facial exercises: While evidence is limited, some facial exercises might modestly improve jaw definition. However, consult a professional before starting any program.

Maintaining a healthy weight: Excess weight can obscure your jawline.

Remember: It is a hot topic with limited scientific backing. While proper tongue posture might offer some benefits, consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized advice on jawline concerns or facial pain. There may be more tried-and-true, efficient options out there.

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