The internet claims that ‘mewing’ can determine your jaw: here is what you need to know

What is mewing?

Mewing is the practice of stressing your tongue against the roof of your mouth with the belief that it can redefine your jaw and even improve your facial structure over time. Supporters argue that maintaining this attitude can reshape and restructure your jaw, reduce jaw pain, improve sleep apnea, minimize snoring and cure dental goats (overlapping teeth).

You will be surprised to know that this is not a new Gen Z Buzzword. The method was named after British orthodontist John Mew, who began to promote it in the 1970s as part of a wider system called Orthotropics, which emphasizes the right attitude and placement of language for children.

Why should the origin of this method concern you?

While Mews have won a cult after online, their methods have caused a significant dispute in the orthodontic community. The controversy hit its climax when John Mew lost his dental permit in 2019, following a criticism of the British General Dental Council. However, their ideas remain popular with social media, attracting millions to seek non -surgical ways to enhance their appearance.

Interestingly, the term “mewing” was not created by the Mews themselves. It comes from an online movement where people stayed in orthotropic ideas to improve their jawlines. Initially they are intended for young, developing children, these methods are now applied by adults who want to change the structure of their face.

How does Mewing work?

According to WebmdMewing includes some simple steps:

1. Close your mouth completely.
2. Gently rest your lower teeth behind your upper front teeth, ensuring a loose jaw position.
3. With your lips sealed, level your tongue against the roof of your mouth. You should feel that your jaw muscles are involved.
4. Place the tip of your tongue just behind your upper front teeth, in a position similar to the pronunciation of the letter “N”.
5. Keep this position for at least 20 seconds and repeat all day.

While the steps may look simple, orthodontists warn against excessive pressure, as they can stretch the jaw, neck and facial muscles. In addition, those with straps or ongoing orthodontic treatments should avoid mewing without professional supervision.

Also read: 7 yoga exercises that can help to form your face and jaw

Does Mewing work?

The effectiveness of Mewing is a lot of discussion. While its supporters present before and after photos online, experts emphasize that there is no reliable, evaluated research that proves Mewing’s claims. These anecdotal results cannot be obtained as proof of its effectiveness.

However, surveys have drawn links between the growth of the jaws and the oral posture. Studies suggest that smaller jaws in humans can be linked to issues such as wrong teeth, breathing in the mouth and sleep apnea. Researchers suggest solutions such as eating harder foods in childhood, chewing gum and breathing and swallowing exercises to promote better jaw growth.

While these findings are aligned with certain orthotropic ideas, they do not immediately validate the mewing for adults. THE US Orthodontic Association It strongly discourages non -supervisory efforts to alter the bite alignment, including mewing.

Possible risks of Mewing

In addition to the lack of scientific support, Mewing carries potential risks. Applying excessive pressure can turn the facial muscles while trying to change the structure of the jaw as an adult can lead to unpredictable complications. Orthodontists warn that Mewing -based could divert people from proven orthodontic treatments that effectively concern dental or facial concerns.

Threshold

Mewing has paid widespread attention to its promise of a crumpled jaw and other health benefits, but its effectiveness remains unintentional. While some aspects of the oral posture and jaw growth are supported by research, Mewing has no scientific validation and transfers risks if inappropriate.

For those who think about it, the counseling of an authorized orthodontist is essential. Until more elements emerge, Mewing remains an interesting but controversial trend, which is both for the charm of the internet and for science.