I have been practicing this technique for some time now, and I have to say, the results are impressive. However, one issue I have noticed is that my teeth tend to clench involuntarily while mewing.
This can be both uncomfortable and counterproductive to the mewing process. In this article, I will explore the causes of teeth clenching while mewing, its effects, and, most importantly, how to prevent it.
What is Mewing & Teeth Clenching?
Mewing is a technique that involves proper tongue posture to improve facial structure and breathing. It is based on the idea that the tongue should rest on the roof of the mouth, and the teeth should be slightly apart.
The results of mewing are a more defined jawline, improved facial symmetry, and better breathing.
Teeth clenching, on the other hand, is a condition where the teeth are tightly held together, often unconsciously. Teeth clenching can be caused by stress, anxiety, and sleep disorders such as bruxism. Teeth clenching can have long-term effects on dental health, such as wearing down teeth, jaw pain, and headaches.
What is Teeth Clenching and It’s Effects?
As mentioned earlier, teeth clenching is the act of pressing the upper and lower teeth together with excessive force. Teeth clenching typically occurs during sleep, but some people clench their teeth during the day. This condition is known as bruxism.
Another cause of teeth clenching can be teeth touching during mewing. Many people make the mistake of forcefully pushing their teeth together rather than gently holding the bottom teeth up against the top teeth.
This is a common problem with many beginner mewers, and it is usually part of getting comfortable with unusual posture. However, it is essential to learn how to fix this issue while also making sure that your technique is still correct.
The Dangerous Effects of Teeth Clenching!
Tooth damage. The constant grinding and clenching of teeth can cause the enamel to wear down, resulting in tooth sensitivity, chipping, and even cracking. In severe cases, teeth may become loose or even fall out.
Jaw pain and stiffness. Clenching puts a tremendous amount of pressure on the jaw muscles, leading to discomfort and pain. This can result in headaches, earaches, and even neck and shoulder pain. Over time, chronic clenching can cause the jaw muscles to become fatigued and overworked, leading to TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder.
Overall health. The stress and tension caused by clenching can lead to insomnia, anxiety, and depression. The effects of bruxism on sleep quality can also lead to daytime sleepiness and fatigue, making it difficult to concentrate and perform daily tasks.
How To Stop Teeth Clenching While Mewing
The trick to stopping clenching while mewing is to realize that your teeth should be touching “gently” due to your tongue pulling your lower jaw against your upper teeth.
To describe this in simpler terms, your tongue is connected to your lower jaw. When your tongue is raised and pushed against the upper palate, your lower jaw is pulled upwards. Doing this should cause your lower teeth to be pulled very close or touch your upper teeth.
If your teeth don’t touch, try to bite very gently so that your lower teeth and upper teeth make contact. Make sure that this force is gentle and that you don’t feel any of your muscles being activated by doing so. However, for beginners, your muscles will feel slightly sore doing this. As you continue mewing, your facial muscles will adapt and stop being sore.
It’s essential that most of the force you use to keep your teeth touching is from the tongue, not the facial muscles. When you don’t rely on the tongue correctly, that is when clenching occurs.
How Mewing Can Cause Teeth Clenching
Mewing involves proper tongue posture, which means the tongue should rest on the roof of the mouth. This position can cause the muscles in the jaw to become tense, leading to teeth clenching.
Additionally, keeping your teeth together while mewing can inherently cause teeth clenching. It’s important to regulate the level of force you’re exerting onto your teeth.
The concept of teeth position while mewing is to have them slightly apart or gently touching. You should ideally try to have them gently touching, however, but if you physically cannot, then keep them slightly apart.
Mewing can cause a lot of tension within the muscles and bones of the face. This can cause subconscious teeth clenching. To fix this, try to be mindful of the feelings and start slow and gently. If you feel any significant discomfort, stop and find out the causes, we have many articles for solutions to common issues.
How to Tell if You’re Clenching Your Teeth While Mewing
While this may seem like a silly question at first, it’s something that isn’t too straightforward.
This stems from the “gently touching” concept of how your teeth should touch during mewing. We can’t exactly define what “gently” is to some people. So here are some signs that you’re clenching:
- Tired and sore masseter muscles
- Soreness in teeth after long sessions of mewing
- Common headaches
- Using primarily facial muscles instead of pulling teeth up with tongue
Other Ways to Reduce Teeth Clenching While Mewing
It’s possible that your technique isn’t the cause of your technique. The unusual posture could amplify any already existing issues that need to be resolved.
First, try to avoid consuming caffeine and alcohol, as these substances can exacerbate teeth clenching.
Second, try to reduce stress and anxiety in your life. Stress and anxiety can cause teeth clenching, making it difficult to mew properly.
Lastly, consider using a mouth guard at night if you tend to clench your teeth while sleeping. A mouth guard can help protect your teeth and reduce teeth clenching.
How Long Does it Take to Stop Clenching While Mewing?
This is a short-lived issue and will subside in 1 week – 1 month of mewing. Clenching is one of the first hurdles that you need to overcome to adapt your mewing technique slowly. Remember the principles that I stated above, and it should be smooth sailing!
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Teeth clenching while mewing can be uncomfortable and counterproductive to the mewing process. However, by following the tips mentioned above and practicing the exercises regularly, you can prevent teeth clenching and enjoy the benefits of mewing. Remember to consult your dentist if you experience any dental problems or are unsure about your teeth clenching while mewing. Happy mewing!