Mewing is a popular dental technique that has been gaining traction in recent years. It is a process that involves deliberately pushing your tongue against your palate and encouraging ideal facial growth. It is said to help improve the appearance of your teeth and jaws and even reduce TMJ, or temporomandibular joint disorder. But does mewing actually cause TMJ? Let’s take a look.
It is unclear whether mewing has a direct effect on TMJ. Mewing incorrectly could potentially put more stress on your jaw, which can worsen TMJ symptoms. However, as of now, there is not any evidence against or for mewing.
What is Mewing?
Mewing is an orthodontic technique that has been around for decades. It was initially developed by the British orthodontist Dr. John Mew in the 1950s. The basic idea of mewing is that it encourages your teeth and jaws to come together in a more natural and aesthetically pleasing way. It involves placing your tongue against your upper teeth, pushing your teeth together, and then holding that position for a few seconds. This is said to help improve the appearance of your teeth and jaws and reduce TMJ, or temporomandibular joint disorder.
Mewing has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its purported benefits. It has been claimed to help improve the appearance of your teeth and jaws, reduce TMJ, and even increase facial symmetry.
What is TMJ and how is it related to Mewing?
Temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ, is a condition that affects the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The TMJ is the joint that connects your jaw to your skull. People with TMJ experience pain or discomfort in the jaw, face, or neck, as well as difficulty chewing or opening their mouths. A variety of factors, including stress, injury, and misalignment of the teeth or jaw can cause TMJ.
Mewing is said to worsen the effects of TMJ because keeping your teeth is a major component of correct mewing. However, many people have polarizing opinions on the effects of keeping the teeth together as a result of mewing.
What is the current scientific research on Mewing and TMJ?
At present, there is limited scientific research on the effects of mewing on TMJ. One small study published in 2019 found that mewing was associated with decreased pain and improved facial symmetry in patients with TMJ.
However, the study was limited in size and did not directly measure the effects of mewing on TMJ. Therefore, further research is needed to determine whether mewing is an effective treatment for TMJ.
Does Mewing Really Cause TMJ?
At this time, it is unclear whether mewing can cause TMJ. There is limited scientific evidence to suggest that mewing can help reduce TMJ symptoms, but further research is needed to determine whether it can actually cause TMJ.
It is important to note that mewing can be beneficial for people who already have TMJ. It can help reduce the strain on the TMJ and improve the bite. However, it is not recommended for people who do not have TMJ, as mewing can increase the risk of developing TMJ if done improperly.
How to Prevent TMJ When Mewing
If you are mewing and want to reduce your risk of developing TMJ, there are a few simple steps you can take.
First, make sure you are mewing correctly. It is important to push your tongue against your teeth and hold it there for a few seconds, but make sure not to clench your teeth or overstrain your jaw.
Second, take frequent breaks when mewing. Mewing for too long or too often can increase the strain on your jaw and increase your risk of developing TMJ.
Third, make sure to practice good posture. Good posture can help reduce the strain on your jaw and reduce your risk of developing TMJ.
Finally, if you start to experience any pain or discomfort in your jaw, face, or neck, stop mewing immediately and consult a doctor.
Should You Stop Mewing if You Have TMJ?
If you already have TMJ, it is important to consult a doctor before mewing. Mewing can help reduce the strain on the TMJ and improve the bite, but it can also worsen TMJ symptoms if done improperly. Therefore, it is important to speak with a doctor before beginning any mewing routine.
Conclusion
Mewing is a popular dental technique that has been gaining traction in recent years. It is said to help improve the appearance of your teeth and jaws and reduce TMJ, or temporomandibular joint disorder. However, there is limited scientific evidence to suggest that mewing can cause TMJ.
If you are mewing and want to reduce your risk of developing TMJ, make sure to practice good posture, take frequent breaks, and consult a doctor if you experience any pain or discomfort in your jaw, face, or neck. If you already have TMJ, it is important to consult a doctor before mewing.
Overall, mewing can be beneficial for people who already have TMJ, but it is not recommended for people who do not have TMJ. If done improperly, mewing can increase the risk of developing TMJ.