If you’ve stumbled upon this article, chances are you’ve already started exploring the world of mewing or are considering trying it.
However, with this surge in popularity, many people have reported experiencing discomfort and pain while practicing mewing.
So, why is mewing so uncomfortable, and what can you do about it?
What Is Mewing?
Before diving into why mewing might be uncomfortable, it’s important to understand what it is and aims to achieve.
Mewing is a technique that involves proper tongue posture, jaw alignment, and nasal breathing.
It’s based on the idea that maintaining the correct tongue position and jaw alignment can help improve facial aesthetics, alleviate specific health issues, and promote overall well-being.
The Difference Between “Hard Mewing” and “Mewing Being Hard”
It’s essential to differentiate between “hard mewing” and “mewing being hard.”
Hard mewing is a more intense form of mewing, where the tongue applies significant force to the palate to achieve proper jaw posture.
On the other hand, “mewing being hard” refers to the discomfort or pain some individuals may experience while practicing mewing.
Why Mewing Might Be Uncomfortable
Mewing can be uncomfortable for various reasons, often stemming from incorrect technique or a lack of familiarity with the practice.
Here are some common reasons why mewing may be uncomfortable:
Unfamiliarity with the Practice
Mewing can initially feel strange as your tongue, jaw, and facial muscles adjust to a new position.
This unfamiliarity can cause initial discomfort but should subside as you become more accustomed to the practice.
Incorrect Technique
Improper tongue posture, teeth clenching, or keeping your teeth too far apart can all contribute to discomfort while mewing.
Making sure that your maintaining the correct tongue posture while mewing can ensure that you avoid mewing discomfort and possible detrimental effects.
To avoid incorrect technique, listening to any bodily cues and doing adequate research is essential. Our articles offer in-depth answers to many questions.
Common Mewing Mistakes
Many people experience discomfort while mewing due to common mistakes. Here are some of the most frequent errors:
Improper Tongue Posture
One of the main reasons for mewing discomfort is improper tongue posture.
If you’re only placing the tip of your tongue on the palate or not engaging the entire tongue, you’re not mewing correctly.
The entire tongue should be resting on the roof of your mouth, with the front teeth gently touching and the lips sealed to prevent mouth breathing.
Teeth Clenching
Clenching your teeth while mewing can lead to jaw pain and potential tooth damage.
Ensure to maintain gentle, relaxed contact between your upper and lower teeth when practicing mewing.
Teeth Too Far Apart
Conversely, keeping your teeth too far apart while mewing can cause discomfort.
Proper jaw posture requires your lower jaw to come together with your upper jaw, with teeth gently touching while your mouth is closed.
Failing to maintain this posture can worsen crooked teeth or cause other issues.
Solutions to Mewing Discomfort
If you’re experiencing discomfort while mewing, consider the following solutions:
- Educate yourself: Learn the proper mewing technique by watching instructional videos, reading articles, and seeking advice from experienced practitioners.
- Evaluate your technique: Assess your current mewing approach and make any necessary adjustments to ensure you’re practicing correctly.
- Practice patience: Remember that mewing is a process that requires time and consistent effort. Don’t expect immediate results; give your body time to adjust to the new posture.
- Stay relaxed: Avoid applying excessive force or tension to your tongue, jaw, or teeth while mewing. Maintain a gentle and natural posture as much as possible.
Mewing Requires Practice
Like any new skill, mewing requires practice and patience.
It’s essential to allow your facial muscles, tongue, and jaw to adjust and become accustomed to the new posture.
Keep practicing daily, and remember that progress may be gradual.
Read: How Long Should I Do Mewing To See Results?
When to Consult a Professional
If you continue to experience pain or discomfort while mewing despite implementing the suggested solutions, it may be time to consult a medical professional.
A dentist, orthodontist, or other healthcare provider with experience in mewing can help evaluate your technique, identify potential issues, and recommend a course of action to address the problem.
Note that mewing may not be compatible with people with malocclusions that hinder the ability to fit the tongue onto the roof of the mouth; some include tongue ties and a narrow palate.
Refrain from relying solely on mewing to fix all your problems; some issues cannot be reversed through mewing and require professional guidance.
Additional Tips for Mewing Success
To further enhance your mewing experience and success, consider the following additional tips:
- Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water can help keep your mouth and throat moist, making it easier to maintain proper tongue posture.
- Practice good oral hygiene: Keeping your teeth, gums, and mouth clean can help prevent discomfort and make mewing more enjoyable.
- Incorporate complementary exercises: Facial, jaw, and neck exercises can help strengthen the muscles involved in mewing and promote better posture overall.
- Take breaks: If you’re experiencing discomfort, allow yourself to take breaks and gradually build up your mewing practice.
Other Techniques To Aid In Your Journey
Interoral Facepulling: Interoral Facepulling involves using your thumbs to push upwards and outwards onto the sides of your palate. The goal is to use the force from your hands to stimulate palatal growth by separating the palate’s sutures.
Tongue Chewing: Tongue chewing is an oral exercise using a malleable substance, such as gum, to work out the tongue muscles. Doing tongue chewing regularly can help with tongue discomfort, as it strengthens the tongue, which reduces the fatigue of mewing.
McKenzie Chin Tuck: The McKenzie Chin Tuck involves pushing your head back and upwards in a way that stretches the neck. This exercise helps with bad posture, which can be a significant factor in correct tongue posture and causing mewing discomfort.
Final Thoughts
Mewing can be an uncomfortable experience for some, but it’s essential to remember that proper technique and consistent practice are vital to minimizing discomfort and achieving the desired results.
Addressing common mistakes, implementing solutions, and seeking professional guidance can make mewing a more comfortable and effective practice.