What to know about the 'mewing' trend blowing up your feed

I'm just going to say it: mewing may be the weirdest way to get a jawline. That is if it works!

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The internet is constantly buzzing with new health trends, and mewing seems to be one for this year, promising a chiselled jawline worthy of a Greek god.

But I’m not gullible and won’t believe every trending technique influencers swear by. (I was, but not anymore.)

Although mewing may seem like a simple technique to improve facial aesthetics, its implications – particularly for young children—warrant careful attention.

Mewing meaning: Gen Z's way with facial structure

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Mewing is a practice called proper tongue posture, where the tongue touches the roof of the mouth to shape the upper jaw and improve facial aesthetics. Advocates (read Gen Z and influencers) claim it can shape the upper jaw, improve facial aesthetics, and even enhance breathing.

But to be fair, the practice isn’t exactly a Gen Z thing!

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Mewing and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

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Meet John Mew

Mewing was originally introduced in the 1970s by John Mew, a British orthodontist who developed the theory of facial orthotropics.

His work emphasised natural methods to change facial shape and improve facial features without relying solely on traditional orthodontics or cosmetic surgery.

Back then, John’s ideas gained attention, but they were, um, controversial. Let’s just say in the scientific community, his idea of mewing didn’t help with his popularity! Instead, it may have even led to a misconduct hearing with the British Orthodontic Society. (Yikes!)

(I guess all he needed was a bunch of teens on social media to turn his scientific research into a viral trend.)

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To mew or not to mew: What's in it for me?

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Simply put, mewing relies on consistent pressure from the entire tongue against the roof of the mouth. This technique can:

1. Straighten teeth by guiding the alignment naturally over time.
2. Promote a change in facial shape by widening the upper jaw and encouraging proper jaw positioning.
3. Encourage nasal breathing, which helps with breathing difficulties and overall health.

However, some believe that incorrect application of mewing could result in misaligned teeth and jaw pain. In some cases, it may lead to orthodontic treatment or even oral and maxillofacial surgery to address complications.

How to mew

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You could use TikTok and find an elaborate tutorial by an already chiselled teen, or you could let me explain it without the Gen Z lingo.

Think of mewing as training sessions for your tongue on where to sit for optimal face gains. Follow these 4 steps to try it yourself:

Step 1: Close your mouth: Not a subtweet, just step one. Keep your teeth lightly touching but not clenched.

Step 2: Tongue placement: Press the entire tongue (the whole floppy thing) against the roof of your mouth, not just the tip. It should feel snug up there, like your tongue found its home.

Step 3: Breathe through your nose: Keep it classy and nasal.

Step 4: Fix your posture: Sit or stand up straight. Slouching makes your mewing game weak.

Go ahead, give it a go. We’re not here to judge.

Mewing in toddlers

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While mewing reshaping techniques are often discussed for teens and adults, some believe the same principles can be adapted during toddlerhood – a pivotal stage for growth and facial restructuring.

One reason for this is that the tongue plays a crucial role in shaping the facial structure and overall facial shape in early childhood.

Mewing for toddlers primarily relates to encouraging good oral posture and breathing habits, which can positively influence their dental and facial development. In young children, fostering proper tongue placement, nasal breathing, and overall posture may support natural growth patterns.

(Think baby yoga for the mouth: tongue up, breathe through the nose and try not to shove crayons in there while you’re at it.)

Teaching your toddler to mew

Proper tongue posture helps in several ways:

• Gentle pressure on the roof of the mouth encourages the upper jaw to expand, reducing the risk of misaligned teeth and promoting a balanced facial structure.
• It prevents issues like crowded or misaligned teeth, lowering the likelihood of needing orthognathic surgery or other intensive treatments later in life. (Hey, braces aren’t cheap!)
• Mewing supports clear articulation and reduces the risk of speech difficulties.

To guide toddlers in practising mewing, parents can:

• Encourage your child to gently close their mouth and rest their entire tongue flat against the roof of the mouth, just behind the upper front teeth, without touching.
• Focus on nasal breathing to avoid breathing difficulties.

Tips:

‘My toddler doesn’t pick up his toys! How can I get him to rest his tongue against the roof?‘

Great question!

Here are some tips to help.

1. Ask the child to practice for short intervals, gradually increasing the duration over time.
2. Using cues like making an “ng” sound or emphasising a relaxed jaw can help toddlers achieve proper oral posture naturally.

Correct oral posture can help avoid issues like recessed jaws, narrow palates, or sunken cheeks, thereby reducing the need for oral and maxillofacial surgery later in life. It encourages proper teeth spacing and promotes healthier nasal breathing.

Consulting professionals such as orthodontists or clinical associate professors in oral and maxillofacial surgery ensures that the practice is done safely and effectively.

Note: Experts in orthodontic treatment and oral health caution against relying on mewing as a substitute for proven treatments, especially for children who might require more structured care to address issues like misaligned teeth or breathing difficulties.

Mewing versus orthognathic surgery

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Orthognathic surgery is designed to correct misaligned jaws, which can cause issues such as difficulty eating, speaking, and maintaining a proper bite. This type of corrective jaw surgery involves realigning the upper and lower jaws and is typically a two- to three-year process, combining orthodontic treatment with surgery.

Orthodontic treatment prepares the teeth for surgery, and then the jaw surgery itself aligns the jaws. Afterwards, continued orthodontic care ensures the teeth stay in their final positions.

On the other hand, mewing is a non-surgical technique aimed at improving oral posture by positioning the tongue against the roof of the mouth. Unlike orthognathic surgery, a medically proven procedure to address jaw misalignment, mewing lacks credible scientific evidence to support its effectiveness.

Does mewing work?

For now, it depends on who you ask.

Whilst Mike Mew claims it does, the technique still isn’t universally acknowledged in the world of dentistry. (Not that Tiktok cares).

If you plan on trying it, keep in mind that the current research on its effectiveness, especially for toddlers, is limited and inconclusive.

Some research found that mewing can correct issues caused by improper oral postures, such as irregular bites and speech problems, by promoting better tongue positioning. However, no solid scientific evidence supports the claim that mewing can significantly alter facial structure or provide lasting benefits.

If you’re concerned about your child’s oral health, particularly signs of jaw misalignment, it’s always better to seek professional advice.

Remember, oral health evaluations are critical, and regular dental checkups – at least twice a year – help catch any potential issues early.

Toddler mewing: Yay or nay?

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Toddler mewing might help with facial alignment, better nasal breathing, and clearer speech, but since the scientific proof is still shaky, don’t bet your daycare fund on it.

For one, forcing it could just stress your kid out, and no one needs a cranky toddler. If you’re curious, give it a gentle try, but consult a pro before turning your tot into a TikTok experiment.

(Do you really want them to bring this up in therapy 30 years from now?)

Also, parents hoping to improve their toddler’s facial aesthetics or correct minor alignment issues, please set realistic expectations. Mewing is not an instant fix; its results can take years to materialise.

Bottom line: Mewing may have caused quite the buzz, but its effectiveness and long-term impact are still up for debate.

Sources

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Lee, Uri K. et al, Mewing: Social Media’s Alternative to Orthognathic Surgery?, Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Volume 77, Issue 9, 1743 – 1744

Web MD, What is Mewing, June 2024

American Association of Orthodontists, Does Mewing Actually Reshape Your Jaw?, January 2024

The Smile Place, Understanding Mewing and Its Impact on Children’s Oral Health, July 2024