Do you chew gum everyday? Yes, no? Well, a lot of people do.
But, did you know that chewing gum is a widely popular exercise for mewing?
In this article, let’s check out the relationship between chewing gum and mewing, does it really help?
Chewing gum helps with mewing by training the tongue, and also by strengthening the masseter muscles which leads to a sharper jawline and easier mewing.
Chewing Gum & Mewing
Chewing gum can make mewing much less straining, along with adding on to the benefits.
Your masseters are partly responsible for holding the lower jaw in place, and mewing requires you to gently hold your upper jaw up to keep your teeth touching.
Chewing gum, especially hard gum, can help strengthen and define the jaw muscles, further supporting the midface and enhancing facial appearance.
The widening of the palate and lower jaw and the added benefits of masseter growth from chewing can have exceptional results!
Along with gum chewing, Dr. Mew also recommends tongue chewing. This involves using the tongue to push the gum in the mouth rather than relying solely on the teeth.
Combining mewing and chewing gum can lead to a more effective and holistic approach to improving the facial structure.
But, mewing and chewing gum cannot be performed simultaneously.
When mewing, the tongue should be pressing against the roof of the mouth, while chewing requires the tongue to move the gum around.
These practices should be performed separately but can still complement each other in the mewing journey.
Best Practices for Chewing Gum and Mewing
When incorporating chewing gum into your mewing routine, there are several best practices to follow to ensure optimal results and avoid potential risks.
Choose the right gum: Opt for sugar-free, hard gums. Mastic gum, a hard gum made from tree resin, is highly recommended because it’s tough to chew, allowing you to engage the masseters.
Start slowly: Begin by chewing gum for about two to three hours per day, gradually increasing the duration as your jaw muscles become stronger.
If you experience soreness in the jaw, take a break and allow your muscles to recover before resuming gum chewing.
Maintain proper posture: While chewing gum, ensure that you keep your lips sealed and breathe through your nose.
This aligns with the principles of mewing and helps prevent the detrimental effects of mouth breathing.
Be mindful of overdoing it: As with any muscle-strengthening exercise, it is possible to overwork your jaw muscles by chewing gum excessively.
Overdoing it can lead to jaw joint problems, so it is crucial to listen to your body and give your muscles adequate rest.
Best Gums for Chewing
When selecting a gum to complement your mewing practice, opt for mastic gum or other hard gums that provide resistance and help train your jaw muscles effectively.
Mastic gum is recommended for mewing, but there are many easy mistakes to watch out for.
1. Make sure that your mastic gum is not a pill. There are certain medicines labeled ‘Mastic Gum’ that are pill-based which aren’t chewable.
2. Avoid overpaying. Mastic gum is a very niche product with a small market. There aren’t any big manufacturers selling mastic for cheap. It’s usually from local distributors, which increases the price. A rule of thumb, I wouldn’t recommend paying any more than $40 as a beginner.
3. Be ready for the taste. The taste can be very bitter, especially when just beginning to chew. Some people do enjoy it, but be prepared for the taste.
Consider trying other gum alternatives. There are many other brands of hard gum that are very similar to mastic but taste better and feel better. These do cost even more than mastic may.
Since Mastic gum can be expensive, Falim gum is a much cheaper but slightly softer/less healthy alternative.
Will Chewing Gum Give Me A Better Jawline?
Yes, chewing gum can give you a better-appearing jawline.
It doesn’t directly target the bone structure of the jawline but adds to it by developing the masseter muscles.
The masseter muscles are connected to the lower jaw on either side of your face, and bigger masseters can make your jawline appear wider and more defined.
Defined masseter muscles are also helpful in creating hollow cheeks.
Risks Of Chewing Gum
While chewing gum can benefit mewing practitioners, it is essential to be aware of potential risks.
Chewing gum excessively or too forcefully can lead to jaw joint problems, such as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).
Dr. Mew warns against engaging in intensive gum chewing if you have preexisting jaw joint issues, as it can exacerbate the problem and create long-term complications.
If you have a history of feeling pain in your jaw, don’t risk it. Chewing is great but it’s not worth future chronic pain.
Big Bolus Chewing
If mastic gum is not your preferred choice or you are looking for additional ways to exercise your jaw muscles, consider big bolus chewing.
This practice, recommended by Dr. Mew, involves chewing a large wad of regular sugar-free gum to engage the entire mouth, including the tongue.
By forming a tight ball of gum and using your tongue to manipulate it around your mouth, you can engage various facial muscles and supplement your mewing efforts.
However, like other chewing practices, be cautious not to overdo it and listen to your body’s signals.
Summary
Chewing gum can indeed be a valuable addition to a mewing routine, helping to strengthen jaw muscles, enhance facial appearance, and provide a more holistic approach to improving facial structure.
By selecting the right gum, practicing proper techniques, and being mindful of potential risks, one can effectively incorporate gum chewing into their mewing journey and reap the benefits of a stronger and more defined jawline.