Table of Contents
- Mewing is a technique focused on correct tongue posture.
- It originated from orthodontist Dr. John Mew and his son Dr. Mike Mew.
- While anecdotal evidence is abundant, scientific research supporting its efficacy for adults is limited.
- Proper oral posture is crucial for children's craniofacial development.
In the quest for a more defined jawline and improved facial aesthetics, a technique known as 'mewing' has surged in popularity across social media platforms. Proponents claim that by simply adjusting tongue posture, individuals can achieve significant changes in their facial structure. But what exactly is mewing, and does it truly live up to the hype? Let's delve into the science, history, and potential impact of this intriguing practice.
What is Mewing? Understanding the Core Principles
At its heart, mewing is a practice of maintaining proper oral posture, primarily focusing on the resting position of the tongue. The core principle involves placing the entire tongue flat against the roof of the mouth, with the tip just behind the front teeth, without touching them. The lips should be sealed, and the teeth should be gently touching or slightly apart.
This technique is named after Dr. John Mew, a British orthodontist, and his son, Dr. Mike Mew, who developed and popularized the concept of 'orthotropics' – a form of orthodontics focused on guiding facial growth. They argue that modern lifestyles, soft diets, and mouth breathing contribute to poor facial development, leading to conditions like recessed chins, crooked teeth, and underdeveloped jaws.
The Mews propose that by consistently maintaining correct tongue posture, individuals can encourage forward growth of the maxilla (upper jaw) and mandible (lower jaw), leading to a more defined jawline, improved breathing, and better overall facial harmony.
The Science Behind Facial Development and Posture
Our facial structure is a complex interplay of genetics, environment, and habits. During childhood and adolescence, the bones of the face and skull are still developing, making them more pliable and responsive to external forces. This is where the concept of 'mewing' finds its strongest theoretical basis, particularly for younger individuals.
Craniofacial Growth: The maxilla (upper jaw) is a key bone that influences the position of the nose, cheeks, and even the eyes. Proper tongue posture, by applying gentle upward pressure, is hypothesized to stimulate the forward and upward growth of the maxilla. Conversely, mouth breathing and a low-resting tongue can lead to a downward and backward growth pattern, resulting in a longer, flatter face, and a less defined jawline.
Oral Habits and Development: Research in orthodontics has long acknowledged the impact of oral habits on facial development. For instance, thumb sucking, prolonged pacifier use, and mouth breathing are known to contribute to malocclusions (misaligned bites) and altered facial growth patterns. The Mews extrapolate from this established knowledge, suggesting that the opposite – correct tongue posture and nasal breathing – can positively influence development.
Muscle Tone and Symmetry: Beyond bone structure, mewing also emphasizes the importance of muscle tone. Consistent engagement of the tongue muscles against the palate can theoretically strengthen the muscles around the jaw, contributing to a more chiseled appearance. Furthermore, maintaining proper head and neck posture, often associated with mewing, can reduce strain and improve alignment, which can indirectly enhance facial symmetry.
Does Mewing Work for Adults? Evidence and Limitations
While the theoretical basis for mewing in children and adolescents is more robust due to their ongoing facial development, its efficacy for adults remains a subject of considerable debate and limited scientific evidence.
Skeletal Maturity: By adulthood, the facial bones have largely fused and ceased growing. This means that significant structural changes, such as altering the growth direction of the maxilla or mandible, are highly unlikely through mere tongue posture alone. Orthognathic surgery (jaw surgery) is typically required to achieve such changes in adults.
Soft Tissue Changes: However, adults might experience some subtle changes related to soft tissue and muscle tone. Consistent mewing could potentially strengthen the muscles under the chin and around the jaw, which might lead to a slightly more defined appearance or reduced double chin, similar to how exercise can tone other muscles in the body. Improved posture associated with mewing could also contribute to a more elongated neck and a better profile.
Anecdotal vs. Scientific Evidence: The vast majority of 'before and after' photos and testimonials supporting mewing's effectiveness in adults are anecdotal. While compelling, these lack the scientific rigor of controlled studies. Variables such as weight loss, aging, changes in lighting, angles, or even orthodontic treatments could account for observed differences. Currently, there is a scarcity of high-quality, peer-reviewed scientific research to definitively prove that mewing can significantly alter adult facial bone structure.
Potential Risks: While generally considered safe, improper mewing can lead to issues like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, tooth misalignment if excessive force is applied, or even headaches. It's crucial to approach this practice with caution and, if experiencing any discomfort, to consult with a dental or medical professional.
Incorporating Proper Oral Posture into Daily Life
Regardless of its transformative claims, the emphasis on proper oral and head posture promoted by mewing advocates has inherent health benefits. Nasal breathing, for instance, is superior to mouth breathing, filtering air, warming it, and promoting better oxygen absorption. Correct tongue posture can also help maintain an open airway, reducing snoring and improving sleep quality.
If you're interested in exploring proper oral posture, here are some general guidelines:
- Tongue Position: Gently place your entire tongue against the roof of your mouth. The tip should be just behind your front teeth, but not touching them. The back of the tongue should also be engaged.
- Lip Seal: Keep your lips closed naturally, without straining.
- Teeth Alignment: Your teeth should be lightly touching or slightly apart, without clenching.
- Nasal Breathing: Consciously breathe through your nose at all times, including during sleep if possible.
- Head and Neck Posture: Maintain an upright posture, with your head balanced directly over your spine, not jutting forward.
Ultimately, while mewing may not deliver dramatic skeletal transformations for adults, adopting proper oral and head posture can contribute to overall health and subtle improvements in facial muscle tone and appearance. It's a practice that encourages mindfulness of our body's natural resting positions, which can be beneficial in many ways.
At Santé Clinics Barcelona, we believe knowledge is the first step to looking and feeling your best. Have questions about how these concepts apply to your personal goals? We're here to help.