Mewing sounds like something cats do, but it has nothing to do with feline. It is actually a language exercise that gains popularity through social media. The goal is to reform the face, especially the jaw.
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Professional Colleen Clayton, MDIt gives the low fall to what is mewing, whether it’s worth the potential dangers.
What is mewing?
‘Mewing is an exercise you do with your language Many times a day, “explains Dr. Clayton.” It’s a technique that some people feel they can help change the aesthetics of the face or jaw. “
Mewing gets his name from Dr. John Mew, an orthodontist who developed the technique in the 1970s for use in children and patients. He believed that Mewing would correct bad aligns in the teeth, bays, jaw and facial structure.
He also thought he could help with problems related to speech, sleep apnea, breathing and other jaw -related issues, teeth and bays.
But the current popularity of social media is more about aesthetic and less about medical concerns.
“Today, most people Mew for cosmetic purposes,” he adds.
How to mew
There are some small variations in the way in which people Mew, but the basic steps are:
- Place the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth, just behind your teeth, in your place to make the sound “n”.
- Close your lips and close your teeth slightly.
- Effect your tongue against the roof of your mouth and feel that your jaw muscles are involved.
- Hold the place for 20 seconds and then rest.
- Repeat several times a day.
Does Mewing work?
Doing tongue exercises a few times a day to relieve the problems of the sinuses and jaws and even to sharpen your facial features sounds great. But does the mewing really work?
“Unfortunately, research It does not support the use of Mewing for any of these things, “Dr. Clayton explains.” The evidence shows that it is not effective for any claims. “
In fact, Dr. Mew lost his dental permit due to unorthodox practices such as Mewing.
Why doesn’t mewing work?
Mewing is not specific or strong enough to significantly change the characteristics of dental or face.
“This simple language exercise is not a strong enough cure,” says Dr. Clayton. “It’s not just a solution.”
But if it doesn’t work, why is it so popular?
“It is easy to be trapped in social media that are not scientifically tested or do not have research to support them – especially if they promise a” quick solution “for problems,” he continues. “Sometimes these kinds of things quickly go viral, And there is no data to support it. In the case of Mewing, however, there is Data – that it doesn’t work. ”
What are the risks of Mewing?
Doing language exercises may seem harmless, but it may not be. In an ironic manner, mewing can worsen jaw and disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
Mewing can also make your teeth more wrong, no less.
“Using these muscles in Mewing can sometimes change the position of the teeth, especially in children and adolescents, causing worse poor alignment,” Dr. Clayton warns.
This possible bad alignment is due to a lack of specialization in Mewing. The straps, on the contrary, move the teeth exactly, the right biting problems and the creation of an aesthetic smile.
‘See your dentist or orthodontist To complete things like expanding your palate (your mouth roof) or your teeth balance, “he advises.” They will do so in an effective and documented way. “
As for aesthetics, if you really want to reshape your jaw, you will probably need something a little more active than the language exercises.
Reforming your jaw or face requires normally more invasive treatments, such as:
- Supplements
- Contour
- Plastic surgery such as jaw implants
Bottom line?
Mewing is not working and there are other acceptable and proven treatments for everything that claims to have been corrected.
“You are better to see the primary care provider, the dentist or the orthodontist,” says Dr. Clayton. “A provider can help you meet your specific needs. And we are always pleased to pass questions about things that appear on social media.”
