The Truth About Mewing: Benefits, Risks, and Alternatives
Mewing, a popular technique gaining traction on social media, involves placing the tongue on the roof of the mouth with the promise of reshaping your jawline, improving facial structure, and even enhancing overall health. But does mewing live up to the hype, or is it just another internet trend? Let’s explore what mewing is, its claims, risks, and proven alternatives for oral health.
What Is Mewing?
Mewing is a technique introduced by English orthodontist Dr. John Mew. It focuses on training the tongue to rest against the roof of the mouth instead of the bottom. Proponents of mewing claim that this proper “tongue posture” can:
Despite its widespread popularity, especially among social media influencers, scientific evidence supporting these claims remains limited.
How to Practice Mewing
Follow these steps to try mewing:
Close your mouth.
Rest your bottom front teeth lightly behind your upper front teeth.
Seal your lips and flatten your tongue against the roof of your mouth.
Position the tip of your tongue just behind your upper front teeth (as if making the “n” sound).
Hold this posture for at least 20 seconds and repeat multiple times throughout the day.
Over time, advocates claim this tongue posture becomes natural, improving facial muscle tone and structure.
Does Mewing Work?
While anecdotal before-and-after photos flood social media, credible scientific studies validating mewing are scarce. John Mew’s observations, including comparisons between his own children’s facial structures, remain anecdotal and lack peer-reviewed support.
However, research does suggest that factors like oral posture, childhood diet, and breathing patterns can influence jaw development. For example:
That said, mewing itself lacks sufficient evidence to support claims of significant facial transformation or health improvements.
Risks of Mewing
While mewing is generally safe when practiced correctly, improper technique can cause problems, such as:
Misaligned teeth (malocclusions)
Jaw pain and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues
Loose teeth
Speech and swallowing difficulties
The American Association of Orthodontists discourages unsupervised attempts to alter bite or jaw alignment, including mewing.
Alternatives to Mewing
If you’re looking to improve oral health, appearance, or treat related issues, consider these proven methods:
For Misaligned Teeth
For Mouth Breathing
Short-Term Solutions: Custom mouthguards or jaw straps can encourage nose breathing at night.
Long-Term Solutions: Breathing exercises, palate expanders, or jaw surgeries can address chronic mouth breathing.
For Sleep Apnea
CPAP Therapy: Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy helps keep airways open during sleep.
Surgical Options: When CPAP isn’t suitable, surgical interventions can enlarge airways.
For Speech Disorders
For Jaw Pain (TMJ Disorders)
Non-Surgical Treatments: Jaw exercises, improved posture, and avoiding teeth grinding can alleviate pain.
Surgical Options: For severe cases, temporomandibular joint replacement surgery is available.
For Sinusitis
At-Home Care: Use saline nasal sprays, warm compresses, and steam inhalation to relieve symptoms.
Medications: Antibiotics may be prescribed for bacterial sinusitis.
Origins and Controversy Around Mewing
Dr. John Mew, along with his son Dr. Mike Mew, developed mewing as part of a broader orthodontic approach called orthotropics. This method emphasizes jaw expansion and proper oral posture to improve facial alignment. However, the lack of scientific evidence and controversies surrounding the Mews have led to skepticism within the orthodontic community. John Mew lost his license, and Mike Mew faced expulsion from the British Orthodontic Society.
Summary
Mewing has captured the internet’s fascination with promises of sharper jawlines and improved health, but it’s not backed by substantial evidence. While proper tongue posture and chewing habits may support jaw development, dramatic facial changes are unlikely without professional orthodontic intervention.
For concerns about oral health or facial structure, consult a licensed healthcare provider. Proven treatments like braces, aligners, CPAP therapy, or speech therapy offer reliable solutions with measurable results.
By following evidence-based practices and consulting professionals, you can achieve long-term improvements in your oral health and overall well-being.
What Is 'Mewing' and Why Are Teens All About This Trend?
As social media trends continue to emerge at lightning speed, one that has captured the attention of teens, parents, and educators alike is "mewing." While it initially gained popularity as a non-surgical beauty technique for enhancing jawlines, it has since taken on a new, unexpected role in classrooms. Here's a deep dive into what mewing is, how teens are using it, and how parents and educators can address the trend.
What Is Mewing?
Mewing refers to a technique involving flattening the tongue against the roof of the mouth, which proponents claim can help define the jawline over time. The concept originated from the work of Dr. John Mew, a controversial orthodontist whose methods sparked debates within the dental community. Despite the lack of scientific evidence supporting its efficacy, mewing has gained traction as a beauty hack among influencers and social media users.
The practice became especially popular last year, thanks to TikTok and Instagram, where users showcased supposed before-and-after results. For many teens, it’s seen as a natural alternative to filters for achieving a sharper jawline in selfies and videos. However, mewing has also evolved into a nonverbal gesture used by students to avoid participating in class or as a subtle act of defiance.
How Teens Are Using Mewing in Classrooms
In a surprising twist, mewing has become more than just a beauty trend. Some students have co-opted the gesture as a way to dodge questions or avoid engaging with teachers. This version of mewing involves pursing the lips, holding a finger to the mouth as if to "shush" someone, and pointing to the jawline. It’s a playful yet dismissive signal that’s quickly gaining popularity among teens, particularly boys.
Educators like Philip Lindsay, a teacher at Rim Country Middle School in Arizona, have noticed the trend infiltrating classrooms. Lindsay explains that students often use the gesture to signify that they’re "too busy" mewing to answer a question or participate in discussions. While some view it as harmless fun, others see it as a sign of disrespect.
Is Mewing Disrespectful?
The use of mewing in classrooms has sparked debate among teachers and psychologists. For some, it’s a minor annoyance, while for others, it represents a deeper issue of defiance and lack of respect.
Dr. Liz Nissim-Matheis, a licensed clinical psychologist, suggests that the behavior may be a subtle attempt by teens to assert power in a space where authority figures traditionally dominate. “This is a type of behavior that is creating a sense of equality between child and parent or student and teacher,” she explains. However, she warns that it can also diminish the self-esteem of peers if used as a way to mock or dismiss them.
Educators like Teresa Kaye Newman, a music teacher in Texas, express frustration with the trend. In a viral TikTok video, Newman shared her struggles, describing mewing as both dismissive and hurtful. “They absolutely understand how disrespectful it is,” she said. “It’s a deliberate act.”
How Are Teachers Reacting to Mewing?
The responses from educators have been mixed. While some, like Newman, see the trend as a serious issue, others take a more lighthearted approach. One teacher commented on Newman’s TikTok, “You are giving them power by giving the gesture power.” Another shared their strategy of barking back at students, a humorous response that left students too surprised to continue the behavior.
Nicholas Ferroni, a high school teacher and social media-savvy educator, views trends like mewing as opportunities for teachable moments. “I never take it personally,” he says. “If a student is mewing, I use it as a chance to discuss social etiquette and respect.” For Ferroni, bigger classroom disruptions like vaping and excessive phone use pose more significant challenges than mewing.
Navigating the Trend at Home
For parents, addressing mewing can be tricky. Social media trends often seem baffling and frivolous, but they’re a natural part of adolescence. Rather than focusing solely on the act itself, experts recommend framing the conversation around broader themes like respect and communication.
Dr. Nissim-Matheis suggests that parents mimic the behavior back to their teens to demonstrate how it looks and feels. This approach can help teens understand the impact of their actions and open the door to a deeper conversation about respectful interactions. “Parents can focus on how it feels to be shushed or ignored,” she advises. “This can foster empathy and encourage better behavior.”
Is Mewing the Worst Thing Teens Can Do?
In the grand scheme of social media trends, mewing is relatively harmless. As Ferroni points out, “At least their hands are free, so they’re not on their phones.” Compared to more concerning behaviors like vaping or engaging in dangerous online challenges, mewing is a mild form of rebellion.
That said, it’s essential to address any behavior that undermines respect in the classroom or at home. By focusing on open communication and using these moments as opportunities for growth, parents and teachers can help teens navigate the complexities of social media trends without compromising core values.
Conclusion
Mewing may have started as a beauty trend, but its evolution into a classroom phenomenon highlights the influence of social media on teen behavior. While some see it as disrespectful, others view it as a harmless expression of adolescent creativity. Regardless of perspective, the key to addressing mewing lies in fostering open dialogue and emphasizing the importance of respect and empathy.
As with any trend, mewing will likely fade over time, replaced by the next big thing. Until then, parents and educators can use it as an opportunity to connect with teens and guide them toward thoughtful, respectful interactions—both online and offline.
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