Should You Try Mewing? Here’s What the Research Says

Facial appearance has always played a significant role in human society, influencing our self-esteem and confidence. As a result, various methods and techniques have emerged over the years aimed at enhancing facial features. One such technique, known as “mewing,” has gained significant attention in recent years as a DIY facial reconstructing method. Mewing involves keeping the tongue pressed firmly against the roof of the mouth to potentially change the shape of the jawline, with some proponents claiming it can lead to a more defined jawline, alleviate jaw pain, improve breathing, and address orthodontic issues. However, the practice has been met with skepticism and controversy, and its efficacy remains unproven.

The Origins of Mewing: A Historical Perspective

The term “mewing” is not a medical one but rather a colloquial term that originated from the work of British orthodontist Dr. John Mew in the 1970s. Dr. Mew popularized this method as part of his unconventional orthodontic approach, known as “orthotropics.” His son, Mike Mew, who is also an orthodontist, played a significant role in promoting mewing and contributed to its growing popularity through platforms like YouTube and TikTok.

Orthotropics, the foundation of mewing, incorporates facial and oral posture exercises and, in some cases, appliances to influence the jawline and facial shape. Initially, orthotropics was primarily intended for children to aid in jaw development and teeth straightening for aesthetic purposes. However, it has evolved, with the London School of Facial Orthortopics, an organization founded and supported by Dr. John Mew, now advocating the practice for adults as well.

One of the central claims of the Mews, the proponents of mewing, is that environmental and lifestyle factors, such as consuming soft foods and mouth breathing, are causing human jaws to become smaller. They argue that this reduction in jaw size contributes to problems like overcrowded teeth and altered facial shapes. Mewing is proposed as a solution to enlarge and strengthen the jaw, reposition teeth, and create a more squared jawline.

The Practice of Mewing: How to Do It

So, how does one practice mewing? According to the London School of Facial Orthotropics, the fundamental principles of mewing include:

1. Tongue Position: Keep the tongue in contact with the roof of the mouth.

2. Lip Closure: Keep the lips pressed together.

3. Teeth Alignment: Maintain the alignment of the top and bottom teeth or bring them close to each other.

Achieving these postures requires dedicated effort, practice, and time, with the London School of Facial Orthotropics suggesting that their treatments may take anywhere from 14 months to 2 years to produce noticeable results. The underlying idea is that consistently maintaining these postures may help align teeth and enhance facial structure.

The Controversy Surrounding Mewing: Does It Really Work?

Despite the enthusiasm surrounding mewing, there is a notable lack of credible scientific evidence to support the notion that it can permanently alter jaw structure. Moreover, claims that mewing can address health issues like sinusitis, breathing problems, temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ), or sleep apnea remain unsubstantiated. Much of the information promoting mewing originates from the Mew family or the London School of Facial Orthotropics. Additionally, before-and-after photos circulating online are often unreliable, as factors like photo angle and lighting can significantly influence the perceived results. At best, mewing may provide a temporary contoured appearance during a photo session.

Nonetheless, there is some merit to the idea that tongue and teeth positioning can impact jaw development. Research supports the notion that human jaws are indeed becoming smaller, aligning with Dr. John Mew’s theory. Furthermore, studies indicate that oral posture, or how the tongue and teeth are positioned, can influence jaw development in children. For instance, a small study involving 50 children found that those who breathed through their mouths experienced minor changes in their facial features.

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) also acknowledges that tongue alignment can have an impact on facial structure. A person’s natural tongue resting position can provide valuable insights to orthodontists, helping them identify issues like tongue thrusting, which can push teeth forward and lead to bite, speech, or swallowing problems.

Potential Risks of Mewing

While mewing is unlikely to yield lasting changes to your jawline or teeth, attempting to alter your jaw structure without guidance from a healthcare provider carries inherent risks. The AAO strongly advises against using mewing as a means to modify teeth or jaw alignment. Instead, individuals with concerns about their jaw structure should consult with a healthcare provider, who can conduct a thorough evaluation of their facial structure and formulate an appropriate treatment plan.

Facial restructuring is a complex process that involves alterations to the jaw, facial bones, and soft tissues. Attempting to modify your jawline without expert guidance could result in lasting damage to these interconnected components. However, given the lack of conclusive evidence supporting the effectiveness of mewing, it is improbable that the practice will cause adverse side effects.

Exploring Alternatives to Mewing

For individuals whose jaw shape, pain, or dental issues stem from malocclusion (misaligned jaws), consulting with an orthodontist is the most recommended course of action. Depending on the underlying cause, treatment options may include:

1. Surgery: Corrective jaw surgery can realign the upper and lower jaws.

2. Tooth Repair: Reshaping or capping irregular teeth that contribute to overcrowding.

3. Braces: Metal bands affixed to teeth can facilitate tooth alignment.

4. Tooth Removal: Extraction of teeth causing overcrowding.

For those seeking to modify their facial composition or jawline for aesthetic reasons, cosmetic surgery and treatments are alternative options. However, these procedures often come with a substantial price tag and their own set of potential risks. Some methods that can alter your jawline include:

1. Facial Contouring: Surgical procedures that reshape the chin, cheeks, and jawline by removing fat or incorporating implants.

2. Dermal Fillers (Jawline Contour Treatment): Injectable gels can enhance or refine jawline symmetry.

3. Radiofrequency (RF) Therapy: This treatment uses energy waves to generate heat deep within the skin, stimulating collagen production or reducing fat to enhance facial contour.

The Controversial Connection Between Mewing and the Incel Movement

The mewing phenomenon has not been without its fair share of controversy, particularly within the orthodontics community. Dr. John Mew faced significant criticism and lost his dental license due to his unconventional practices and his vocal opposition to traditional orthodontics. His son, Mike Mew, was expelled from the British Orthodontic Society, and his treatments were subject to a misconduct hearing.

However, the most significant source of controversy surrounding mewing lies in its association with the incel (involuntary celibate) internet movement. The incel community, predominantly consisting of cisgender men, has gained notoriety for attributing their lack of sexual activity to societal and women-related factors. In 2014, a YouTube video by Mike Mew discussing mewing was posted on an incel message board, leading to the rapid proliferation of mewing as a method for improving appearance and sexual encounters within the incel community.

It is important to note that neither Mike nor John Mew are directly affiliated with the incel movement, and the original intent of mewing was to aid young children in their facial development. However, as mewing gained traction, the Mews adapted their approach to accommodate adult patients.

In Conclusion: The Complex World of Mewing

In summary, mewing is a facial reconstructing technique that has captured the attention of many seeking to enhance their jawline and facial features. While it remains popular on platforms like YouTube and TikTok, substantial evidence supporting its efficacy is lacking. Mewing’s controversial history, its deviation from traditional orthodontics, and its association with the incel movement have all contributed to skepticism within the medical community.

Nonetheless, the underlying principles of mewing—that tongue and teeth positioning can influence facial development—are supported by some research. If you choose to explore mewing, it is essential to maintain realistic expectations and consult with a healthcare provider if you have concerns about your jaw structure. The field of facial reconstruction is intricate, and professional guidance is crucial in addressing any related issues effectively.

Ultimately, mewing stands as a reminder of the profound impact facial appearance can have on an individual’s self-esteem and overall well-being. As the pursuit of facial aesthetics continues to evolve, the quest for effective and evidence-based methods to enhance one’s appearance will persist, driving both scientific inquiry and public interest in this complex field.