Mewing is an orthodontic technique that involves consciously and deliberately placing your tongue on the roof of your mouth. It is claimed to help with facial development, improve posture, and reduce pain and tension in the jaw and neck.
This ultimate guide to mewing will provide you with the information you need to get started, including the science behind it, the different techniques, and how to do it safely and effectively.
What is Mewing?
Mewing is an orthodontic technique that involves consciously and deliberately placing your tongue on the roof of your mouth. The purpose is to stimulate the growth and development of the facial bones, including the jaw and cranial bones, as well as the surrounding muscles and soft tissues.
Mewing is a popular technique to improve your facial attractiveness; it can increase the forward growth of the maxilla and jaw, which are critical components of an aesthetically pleasing face. Mewing is also used to fix damage caused by unhealthy habits such as mouth breathing and incorrect tongue posture.
The Science Behind Mewing
Mewing is a technique used to improve the strength and shape of the jawline by altering the way one uses their tongue. The science behind it is that positioning the tongue against the roof of the mouth and pressing against it places your mandible in an optimal position.
This has been said to improve the strength of the jaw and facial muscles and reshape the jawline over time. It has also been claimed to improve the alignment of the teeth.
Studies have found that the mewing technique can effectively correct some bite misalignments and improve the strength of the jaw muscles.
Better breathing
One of the most significant benefits of mewing is better breathing. More specifically, nasal breathing! Due to our mostly sedentary lifestyles, many of us have picked up unhealthy habits without even knowing it. One of these habits is mouth breathing. Mouth breathing, as the name suggests, is when we breathe out of our mouth. Studies suggest that mouth breathing is detrimental to your health and facial structure.
What to do: If you want to make sure that you’re not mouth breathing, make sure that your tongue is pushed up against the palate in a way that you cannot breathe out of your mouth. And, you’re done!
However, there’s still one more important problem that must be fixed. Many people mouth breathe at night without even knowing it. In order to fix this, try to use a gentle tape that is safe on the skin and tape it in between your lips.
Better looking appearance
Mewing has been known to promote proper growth of the face, ultimately leading to a more symmetrical, attractive appearance. But how does mewing affect the face? Mewing utilizes the tongue in order to exert a gentle force onto the palate, pushing upwards and upwards.
This expands the upper mouth, known as the palate, along with avoiding any facial downswing caused by unhealthy habits. By keeping the jaw, teeth, and tongue in the correct place. This allows for features to be more pronounced and aligned.
Better sleep
To add to better breathing, this can also affect sleep. When we have correct tongue posture throughout the night, not only does it enhance the benefits of mewing, but it also improves sleep quality. Sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea, snoring, and mouth breathing can have a direct impact on sleep.
This is why when we slowly remedy these sleep disorders with correct posture, tongue posture, and mewing, we can slowly but surely improve our sleep. Better sleep is one of the most important things, it affects your mood for the day, productivity, and overall functionality and well-being!
Mewing For Forward Growth
By mewing, you can encourage the forward growth of your jaw, resulting in a more balanced and attractive facial profile. It’s a simple technique that involves placing your tongue against the roof of your mouth and keeping it there as much as possible.
This will help you develop better strength and control of your tongue muscles and encourage your lower jaw to move forward. Mewing can effectively promote the natural features of your face to work together in harmony, leading to a more attractive and youthful appearance.
While mewing is not a replacement for surgery or other cosmetic procedures, it can be a great way to take a more natural approach to facial enhancement.
Does Mewing Make Your Face Wider?
Mewing has become popular among those looking for a more defined jawline, but does it make your face wider? The short answer is no.
Mewing does not make your face wider. The exercise can help improve facial muscle tone, but it won’t make your face wider. In fact, in some cases, mewing can even help reduce the appearance of a broad front.
This is because it encourages strengthening the muscles in the face, making it look tighter and more toned.
Ultimately, mewing can help improve your overall facial structure, but it won’t directly make your face wider. However, it is essential to remember that mewing results can vary from person to person, and it is not a miracle cure for a broad face.
Can Mewing Cause TMJ?
TMJ is a disorder that affects the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, leading to pain and discomfort.
Mewing can cause jaw tension, increasing the risk of developing TMJ. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim.
If you are concerned about your risk of developing TMJ, it’s best to consult a doctor or dentist to discuss your options.
Mewing While Sleeping
At first, this seems almost impossible. However, with enough practice, one can mew even in their sleep. First, make sure that you are nasal breathing during your sleep.
Mouth breathing during sleep can have adverse effects on not only your rest but even your appearance. Mouth breathing leads to a downswing effect on the face, leading to a recessed jawline, maxilla, and sullen appearance.
As you continue mewing, you will eventually find your body subconsciously mewing throughout the night.
Different Mewing Techniques
- Suction hold: The suction hold is a widely-recommended technique where you make a suction between your tongue and your palate. This allows for more accessible force output on the palate, which can help you mew for long periods. You can do a suction hold by using a liquid or your spit and pushing it on the palate using your tongue.
- Correct posture: Many people overlook the importance of proper posture. However, proper posture is essential to mewing effectively. Stand straight and tall, chest forward, shoulders back, and keep your head up. Proper posture allows you to put more force on the palate and mew more comfortably.
- Mewing swallow: A mewing swallow is when you primarily use your tongue to swallow foods. Many people suck in to consume foods using their buccinator muscles; this causes the buccinator muscles to enlarge, which gives the appearance of fat cheeks. To do a mewing swallow, only use your tongue to push chewed food into your throat to swallow. To test if you’re doing the mewing swallow correctly, keep your lips apart and try to swallow your spit. If your lips touch when you try to swallow, you are still engaging your buccinator muscles. However, if your lips stay apart, you are doing this technique correctly.
Can Mewing Make You Uglier?
Mewing is a controversial technique that some claim can improve facial structure. But is it true? Can mewing make you uglier? The short answer is no.
The long answer is that there is no scientific evidence to suggest that mewing can make someone uglier. However, it is essential to note that mewing does not come without risks.
If mewing is done incorrectly, it can lead to jaw pain, neck pain, and even headaches.
Can Mewing Fix An Overbite or Underbite?
To that end, mewing has gained popularity as a natural fix for an overbite or underbite. But does it work? The answer is complex. While there is some evidence that mewing can effectively correct an overbite, it will depend on the individual’s exact case.
In some cases, mewing may not be enough to fix an overbite or underbite, and a more traditional orthodontic approach may be necessary. If you don’t see changes after a substantial time of mewing, then consulting an orthodontist may be the best choice.
Can Mewing Change Your Nose?
Can mewing change your nose? The short answer is yes. Mewing can actually change the shape of your nose over time. This is because mewing helps to reposition the jaw, which can affect the nose’s structure.
For example, mewing can help to widen the nose and make it appear more symmetrical. In addition, mewing can help to reduce the appearance of dorsal humps or bumps on the bridge of the nose.
So while the effects of mewing won’t be instantaneous, they can still be noticeable over time. So if you’re looking to make a change to your nose, mewing can definitely help!
Does Mewing Work For Adults?
The answer is yes. Adults can benefit significantly from mewing.
This question arises because the skull is growing and more malleable during the childhood and teenage years. However, as we become adults, our bones begin hardening. This, in turn, makes it seem like mewing may not affect adults.
However, this is untrue. Adults can benefit from mewing. Mewing extends past remodeling the facial bones; it also improves oral posture, mood, and can stop the otherwise negative effects of not mewing or mouth breathing.
Does Mewing Straighten Teeth?
Does mewing actually work? The evidence is mixed. While some orthodontists see potential benefits, others are skeptical.
It’s true that mewing can help with very minor alignment issues and can potentially reduce tooth crowding. However, there is no evidence that it can produce major changes or completely straighten teeth.
In addition, it’s important to remember that mewing is not a substitute for professional orthodontic treatment. If you require serious orthodontic work to straighten your teeth, mewing may not be enough.
For best results, speak to an orthodontist who can provide a customized treatment plan.
How to Safely and Effectively Mew
Mewing is a safe technique, but there are certain things to keep in mind when mewing to avoid any potential complications. Here are a few things to remember before you start mewing:
- Start slow: Mewing is not an overnight fix. It can take time to see results, so be patient and consistent. You may see results in as little as two weeks or take longer. The best way to find out is by taking consistent measurements of your facial development.
- Find the right technique: There are many different techniques to choose from. Finding a technique that works best for you may take some time. Once you have found a technique that works for you, you can start to develop a daily routine.
- Stay hydrated: Mewing can cause salivation, which means you may need to drink more water than usual. Mewing can also dry out your mouth, which can cause ulcers and other complications, so it is important to stay hydrated.
Benefits of Mewing
Mewing is a safe, non-invasive technique that can work for so many people, regardless of age or health. It can be used to help correct various issues, from an underbite to TMJD.
It is often used along with Orthotics, which are dental braces used to correct crooked teeth or bite alignment. Orthotics can include headgear, braces, or retainers, and they are a great way to help correct dental issues.
Mewing can also help improve posture and reduce pain and tension in the jaw and neck. All these things make mewing a great technique that benefits many people.
Can Mewing Reduce Face Fat?
Some claim that it can help reduce fat in the face and create a more attractive facial structure.
Mewing may help train the muscles of the face, but there is no evidence that it can actually reduce fat in the face. It is important to note that the technique should only be done properly, as incorrect mewing can lead to pain and injury.
Does Mewing Get Rid Of Double Chin?
Mewing is a technique which consists of holding the tongue in a certain position while the mouth is closed, in order to improve the jawline and reduce the appearance of a double chin.
Holding your tongue at the top of your mouth pulls the mass under your chin up which gives an sharp jawline appearance.
Does Mewing Improve Cheekbones?
Many people have claimed that it can lead to more defined cheekbones. But does mewing really work?
The answer is…it depends. Mewing is a form of orthotropics, which involves retraining the tongue and jaw muscles in order to promote better posture.
The idea is that, by improving your posture, your facial structure will improve as well. As for cheekbones specifically, mewing may help if your cheeks are drooping due to poor posture.
However, if your cheeks are naturally flat or narrow, mewing will not make much of a difference. It’s also important to note that mewing is not a quick fix — it requires dedication and consistency to see lasting results.
If you are considering trying mewing, it’s best to speak to your dentist or orthodontist first to get professional advice. All in all, mewing can be a great tool for improving facial structure and achieving better overall posture.
Does Mewing Improve Cheekbones?
Mewing is a popular technique for improving facial structure, and many people have claimed that it can lead to more defined cheekbones. But does mewing really work?
The answer is…it depends. Mewing is a form of orthotropics, which involves retraining the tongue and jaw muscles to promote better posture.
The idea is that your facial structure will also improve by improving your posture. As for cheekbones, mewing may help if your cheeks droop due to poor posture.
However, if your cheeks are naturally flat or narrow, mewing will not make much of a difference. It’s also important to note that mewing is not a quick fix — it requires dedication and consistency to see lasting results.
If you are considering mewing, it’s best to speak to your dentist or orthodontist first to get professional advice. All in all, mewing can be an excellent tool for improving the facial structure and overall posture.
Potential Risks of Mewing
Knowing that mewing can alter your face, it’s no doubt that it can cause damage rather than improvements when done incorrectly. Here are the potential risks of mewing and how to avoid them:
- Uneven mewing: Uneven mewing is caused when one side of the tongue is stronger; this causes more force to be put on one side of the palate, which causes the face to grow unevenly. To avoid this, ensure you aren’t feeling more pressure on one side of the palate.
- Hard mewing: When hard mewing, you are actively pushing hard against your palate. Hard mewing may seem like an easy way to get results, but it can cause asymmetries in the face and can also have negative effects. However, hard mewing may be beneficial if you thoroughly understand mewing and how to do it correctly.
- Can cause swelling in the mouth: When you are new to mewing, it’s common to feel like you are gagging as your tongue is making direct contact with the back areas of your mouth. This can cause your mouth to swell and hurt. This is usually uncommon, and the only way to treat this is to stay comfortable and not overdo it.
Advice for Beginner Mewers
When you first start, expect to notice some initial side effects, such as discomfort in your tongue or jaw. These side effects should subside within a few days as your body gets used to the new sensation.
Once you have found your favorite technique, it is essential to perform your new daily routine consistently and patiently. You may not see results immediately, but you never know when they may come.
It is important to stay positive and consistent. If you are experiencing pain or other side effects, it is important to take a break. Give your body and tongue time to heal and rest before continuing your daily routine.
It is important not to give up and maintain a positive mindset throughout the process.
Finding a community
If you decide to try mewing, it may be a good idea to find a mentor who can guide you through the process to ensure that you are doing it safely and effectively.
There are various online communities where people can share their experiences and knowledge about mewing. You can also find information about mewing in books and journals.
Reading up on the science behind mewing and other people’s experiences may be helpful before trying it out.
Conclusion
Mewing is an orthodontic technique that is gaining popularity among people looking to correct their dental issues.
It involves placing your tongue on the roof of your mouth to stimulate the growth and development of the cranial and facial bones and tissues.
We have explored the science behind mewing, different techniques, how to safely and effectively mew, the benefits of mewing, potential risks, and advice for beginner mewers.