What Is Mewing?
Mewing is a technique involving proper tongue posture developed and promoted by Dr. John Mew, a British orthodontist. The concept revolves around positioning the tongue against the roof of the mouth, maintaining good head posture, and nasal breathing. Over time, practitioners believe that this practice can enhance facial structure, define the jawline, and improve overall health.
Although initially met with skepticism, mewing has surged in popularity, especially on social media platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Reddit, where countless users have documented their progress. The method is non-invasive, requires no equipment, and is free—making it an appealing option for those looking to subtly alter their appearance and boost their health.
How Mewing Works: The Core Technique
The essence of mewing lies in proper tongue posture. Here’s how it’s done:
- Place the entire tongue flat against the roof of your mouth, not just the tip.
- Seal your lips together gently.
- Breathe only through your nose.
- Keep your teeth lightly touching or slightly apart, avoiding clenching.
When consistently practiced, this technique encourages a more optimal position for the skull and jaw over time. Dr. Mew argues that modern habits like mouth breathing and poor posture can negatively affect facial development, particularly in children and young adults.
Benefits of Mewing
1. Enhanced Jawline Definition
By applying upward pressure on the maxilla (upper jawbone), mewing may promote forward and upward growth of the midface, leading to a more chiseled appearance and a sharper jawline. Some practitioners report noticeable changes after several months of correct mewing practice.
2. Improved Facial Symmetry
Mewing encourages balanced muscle use on both sides of the face, potentially reducing facial asymmetry caused by poor posture or uneven muscular engagement. Over time, the bones of the face may settle into a more harmonious alignment.
3. Better Breathing and Airway Function
Nasal breathing, a key component of mewing, is linked to enhanced oxygen intake, reduced risk of sleep apnea, and improved lung capacity. Tongue posture also plays a role in supporting the airway, potentially improving snoring and sleep quality.
4. Posture Correction
Practicing mewing typically goes hand-in-hand with correcting neck and head posture. As users become more conscious of how they hold their heads and align their spines, they may see improvements in back and neck pain, confidence, and physical balance.
Step-by-Step Guide to Mewing
Step 1: Tongue Position
- Rest the entire tongue—tip, middle, and back—firmly against the palate (roof of the mouth).
- Avoid pushing with excessive force. The pressure should be consistent but gentle.
Step 2: Lips and Teeth Alignment
- Keep the lips closed at rest without tension.
- The teeth should either lightly touch or remain close together without clenching.
Step 3: Breathing Through the Nose
- Focus on nasal breathing only, both while awake and asleep. Mouth breathing should be avoided.
Step 4: Neck and Head Posture
- Align the head over the spine, keeping the chin tucked slightly and the neck elongated.
- Avoid slouching or forward head posture.
Common Mistakes While Mewing
Avoid these errors to ensure proper technique and maximize results:
- Only engaging the tip of the tongue instead of the full tongue body.
- Mouth breathing, which undermines the benefits.
- Clenching the jaw instead of relaxed contact.
- Poor head posture, especially tilting the head forward or downward.
Correct technique requires mindfulness and consistent practice throughout the day, not just for a few minutes.
Mewing for Adults vs. Teenagers: Is It Too Late?
Mewing is most effective during growth phases, especially in children and teenagers. Their bones are more malleable, which means the face can reshape more easily.
However, adults can still benefit from mewing in the following ways:
- Improved posture and breathing
- Stronger facial muscles and definition
- Support for dental and oral health
- Potential minor skeletal changes over time
While skeletal remodeling is slower in adults, muscular and postural benefits are still achievable.
Mewing Before and After: What Results Can You Expect?
Many users have shared before-and-after photos showcasing improvements in facial definition, sharper jawlines, reduced double chins, and even posture changes. These transformations usually take months to years, depending on:
- Age
- Consistency
- Starting facial structure
- Correct technique
Visual results vary from person to person, but many report increased self-confidence, even with small changes.
Scientific Perspective and Expert Opinions
The scientific community is divided on mewing. While Dr. John Mew and his son Dr. Mike Mew have long supported the practice through orthotropics (a method focused on facial growth and development), mainstream orthodontics remains skeptical, citing a lack of rigorous scientific studies.
However, some dental professionals acknowledge that tongue posture influences jaw development and airway health. More research is needed, but anecdotal success stories have helped to solidify mewing’s popularity.
Complementary Practices to Maximize Mewing Results
1. Hard Chewing Exercises
Chewing firm foods or gum can strengthen masseter muscles and reinforce jawline development.
2. Myofunctional Therapy
This therapy focuses on oral-facial muscle training, often used to correct tongue ties, mouth breathing, and other dysfunctions.
3. Orthodontic Support
Some individuals may benefit from combining mewing with palatal expanders, braces, or retainers if structural issues are significant.
4. Fitness and Nutrition
Maintaining a low body fat percentage will make jaw and facial definition more visible. Nutrition also plays a key role in bone density and muscle tone.
Does Mewing Really Work? Final Thoughts
While scientific backing is limited, many individuals swear by the visible and functional improvements mewing has provided. It’s low-risk, non-invasive, and encourages habits—like nasal breathing and good posture—that are undeniably beneficial.
Consistency is the key. Practiced correctly and with patience, mewing can contribute to long-term facial and health improvements, especially when combined with other lifestyle upgrades.
