In the quest for a more sculpted, defined jawline, a trend known as "mewing" has gained popularity on social media. This technique involves maintaining a specific "tongue posture" by pressing your tongue against the roof of your mouth, gently bringing your upper and lower teeth together, and keeping your lips closed. Many TikTok users swear by this method, claiming it can improve jawline aesthetics. But what do the experts think?
We consulted dentists to get the full picture on mewing, including its potential benefits, drawbacks, and whether it truly delivers on its promises.
What Is Mewing?
"Mewing focuses on proper tongue posture, function, and overall body posture, and how these factors can influence orofacial development and forward facial growth," explains Dr. Priya Mistry, a leading jaw expert.
The concept of mewing originated with British orthodontist John Mew in the 1970s. According to Dr. Mistry, mewing can play a significant role in orofacial development.
"The idea behind mewing is that by consistently applying pressure to the palate with the tongue, the facial bones and jaw structure may adapt over time, potentially resulting in a more defined jawline and improved facial symmetry," says Dr. Vishala Patel, a cosmetic dentist at Edge Dental Designs. "While it's most effective during growth periods, some adults believe that long-term practice can still produce noticeable results."
The Pros & Cons of Mewing
Pros:
- Improved Facial Aesthetics: Proponents of mewing suggest it can lead to a more defined, chiseled jawline, enhance facial aesthetics, and improve oral posture, explains Dr. Patel.
- Enhanced Nasal Breathing: "Proper tongue posture may also encourage nasal breathing, which offers various health benefits, including better sleep quality and reduced snoring," adds Dr. Patel.
Cons:
- Lack of Evidence: There is limited research to support the effectiveness of mewing. "For adults, whose bones are less malleable, significant changes may be unlikely, which can lead to disappointment," notes Dr. Patel.
- Misalignment Risks: Incorrect tongue posture, especially without professional guidance, can harm dental health and lead to issues such as misalignment. "For those experiencing pain or with TMJ problems, mewing can be too aggressive and may worsen the condition," warns Dr. Mistry.
- Overemphasis on Mewing: Focusing solely on mewing to improve facial aesthetics may cause you to overlook other crucial factors like overall dental health.
Dr. Patel recalls an experience with a patient who tried mewing for several months.
"While the patient noticed some minor improvements in facial posture and muscle tone, the changes were subtle," says Dr. Patel. "We discussed the importance of managing expectations and combined mewing with other orthodontic treatments to achieve their desired results. This case highlighted the potential benefits of mewing when used alongside professional care, but also underscored its limitations as a standalone practice."