The trend of "mewing" has gone viral on social media, drawing attention from both enthusiasts and skeptics. You may be surprised to learn that mewing is a concept that has been around since the 1970s. It involves a technique where an individual consciously positions their tongue against the roof of the mouth, with the goal of improving facial structure and alignment. While this practice has generated a lot of buzz online, orthodontists and dentists have more recently weighed in with their expertise, offering insights into its effectiveness. As a leading Zionsville, IN orthodontist, I felt it would be appropriate to share my professional thoughts on these concepts and provide appropriate resources for patients given the recent hype about this topic.
As an orthodontist, I completely understand the desire for optimal esthetics and facial balance. We want to look and feel our best. However, it’s important to approach practices and trends with caution, and an understanding of their limitations and scientific validity. Let's take a closer look at mewing and address some of the most commonly asked questions.
What Is Mewing?
Mewing is a term and practice coined by Dr. John Mew, a British orthodontist. It is of note that Dr. Mew is no longer a practicing orthodontist, and his dental license was previously revoked in the UK. He proposed that proper tongue posture, particularly the tongue resting against the roof of the mouth, can influence the development of the face over time. Advocates suggest that this technique can lead to a more defined jawline, improved cheekbone prominence, and better overall facial symmetry.
The concept of mewing originated from Dr. Mew's philosophy of orthotropics. This philosophy emphasizes the importance of growth guidance and the role external factors have on it. Orthotropics promotes the idea that proper posture and muscle function (especially of the tongue and jaw) can influence facial development. Most orthodontists accept the view that both genetics and external factors play a role in jaw structure and dental alignment. Dr. Mew, however, placed heavy emphasis on the influence of external factors and forces, such as the position of the tongue. Dr. Mew believes that if one can train the tongue to rest against the upper palate, this can then promote horizontal facial growth, which will then enhance jaw definition and prevent dental crowding. Mewing is a part of this orthotropic philosophy.
Does Mewing Really Work?
John Mew and his son, Mike, have proposed that the goal of mewing is to align the teeth, accentuate the cheekbones, sharpen the jawline, and even straighten the nose naturally. They say it may also diminish wrinkles and improve the airway by bringing the maxilla (upper jaw) forward, potentially extending a person's lifespan.
Are these statements true? Unfortunately, there is no robust scientific evidence to back up these theories. To provide the best care possible, it is important to understand anatomy, science, and research. When it comes to mewing, leading organizations, such as the American Association of Orthodontists, criticize practices such as mewing for lacking clinical validation. Peer-reviewed research in publications such as The Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery have found no credible data showing that tongue posture can have a significant impact on bone structure.
While proper tongue posture is beneficial for oral health and can contribute to general muscle tone in the face and mouth, it is unlikely to significantly alter facial structure in adults. This is because adults are no longer growing. Bone growth and development are largely completed after puberty, and changes in facial shape are typically minimal once the bones have matured. There is no scientific evidence that mewing effects jaw structure or position of the facial bones in adults.
That said, consistent tongue posture can still have some positive effects. For example, maintaining proper tongue placement can help with functions such as swallowing, breathing, and even reducing tension in the jaw. However, these benefits are more related to oral health and comfort than to dramatic cosmetic changes.
Can Mewing Help with Breathing or Snoring?
There is some evidence suggesting that maintaining proper tongue posture can assist with proper breathing. The tongue plays an important role in maintaining the airway's shape and function. The tongue should rests in it's ideal position against the roof of the mouth, encouraging nasal breathing rather than mouth breathing. Though this may help patients with breathing problems, mewing alone is not a substitute for medical treatment for serious conditions such as sleep apnea.
There is no direct clinical research proving that mewing alone can cure snoring or breathing issues. However, studies on myofunctional therapy, which involves tongue and facial exercises, have found that strengthening oral muscles may reduce snoring and mild sleep apnea. Since mewing involves maintaining a similar tongue posture, it may have some of these benefits, but research is lacking. Those struggling with chronic snoring or breathing problems should consult with a orthodontist trained in recognizing airway problems, a sleep specialist, or ENT (ear, nose and throat) physician for proper evaluation and treatment.
What are the Risks of Mewing?
While the risks of mewing are low, there are some potential downsides to consider. First, attempting to force the tongue into place in a way that feels unnatural or strained could have the opposite effect of the intended benefits. This may lead to muscle tension or discomfort.
There are also costs related to viewing the Mew's instructional videos and apps, so price is a consideration. Technically, orthotropic treatment can take several years and costs significantly more than traditional orthodontic treatment by an orthodontist. Patients that have come to our orthodontic office frustrated with orthotropics have often spent several years in treatment with appliances, and several thousands of dollars. It is not uncommon for patients to be charged over $10,000 for orthotropics.
Additionally, it’s important to note that orthodontic and dental issues often require professional treatment. Mewing should not be seen as a substitute for orthodontic interventions, such as braces, aligners, appliances, retainers, or corrective surgery. People seeking significant improvements in their bite, alignment, or facial structure should consult a licensed and certified orthodontist for a thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment options.
Can Mewing Help with Misaligned Teeth?
Mewing enthusiasts often claim that the technique can help improve bite alignment over time. However, from an orthodontic standpoint, this claim is more nuanced. Proper tongue posture can help promote better oral posture and could potentially have a minor impact on muscle tone around the jaw. However, there is no evidence it can cure severe crowding, severe overjet, severe deep bite or overbite.
In growing children who have an open bite due to a tongue thrust habit, mewing or re-training the tongue may offer support. An open bite is a condition where the upper and lower teeth do not make contact when the mouth is closed, often caused by habits such as tongue thrusting, thumb-sucking, or prolonged pacifier use during childhood. Mewing emphasizes keeping the tongue pressed against the palate, which can discourage habits like tongue thrusting. If the open bite was due to a tongue thrust, proper tongue posture may allow teeth to come together to reduce the open bite. This is typically only seen in growing children. In adults, the bones are already fully developed, so mewing is unlikely to reverse an established open bite.
To correct a malocclusion (misaligned teeth or bite), especially in adults, orthodontic treatment is typically required.
Conclusion: Should You Try Mewing?
While proper tongue posture can provide benefits in terms of childhood jaw growth, breathing and muscle tone, mewing itself is unlikely to produce changes in facial appearance, especially in adults. If you're considering mewing for cosmetic reasons, it's essential to have realistic expectations and recognize that the scientific evidence supporting its ability to reshape bone structure, especially in adults, is lacking.
If you're seeking improvements to your bite, facial structure, or overall oral health, consulting with a qualified orthodontist is the best course of action. They can provide professional, personalized recommendations based on well-established approaches. For both adults and children, achieving facial balance and guiding jaw growth is best done with the guidance of trained professionals.
At Godley Family Orthodontics, we believe our comprehensive approach to aligning teeth and guiding healthy jaw growth helps give our patients the most thoughtful, quality care possible. If you would like to learn more or seek an orthodontic consultation for yourself or your child, contact our team at Godley Family Orthodontics by calling (317) 913-2828 or booking a consultation online.
Other sources related to mewing:
Comments