Does Mewing Actually Work?

Popular beauty standards are a revolving door of ideas and opinions. Currently, many people are fixated on the idea of having a slim, sharply defined jawline. In fact, you may have seen videos of people demonstrating a technique called “mewing.” Proponents say that it can permanently improve the shape of the jaw and even produce health benefits! But does mewing actually work, or are you better off seeking professional orthodontic treatment? This blog post explores what you should know.

What Is Mewing?

Mewing is a technique named after Dr. John Mew, an orthodontist who popularized his ideas starting in the 1970s. In recent years, mewing has seen a resurgence as influencers on TikTok and other social media platforms have caught onto it.

Essentially, mewing involves purposefully retraining your tongue to rest against the roof of your mouth. By consciously placing your tongue in a certain position, it is believed that you could possibly reshape your jawline, make your face look slimmer, and reduce issues like sleep apnea and sinusitis.

Does Mewing Work?

There is no credible evidence that mewing works. It is important to remember that the positioning of the teeth, jaws, and other facial bones is complex, and DIY treatment is unlikely to accomplish anything good.

If you have any anatomical abnormalities or misalignment, such issues should be evaluated by an orthodontist. They can guide you on what you need to do in order to accomplish your aesthetic and functional goals for your oral structures. You might need braces or corrective surgery. It is even possible that you could be referred to a myofunctional therapist, a professional who could help you to train your tongue to rest in a better position.

The Risks of Mewing

Mewing does not work, but some people reason that it is worth a try anyway because it is easy and free. However, it is important to think about what you might be doing to yourself. While mewing is unlikely to cause any lasting harm, there is a small chance that it could:

• Disrupt the alignment of your teeth.
• Worsen speech issues and bite problems.
• Lead to the need for complex and extensive treatment.

Social media trends should always be approached with caution! Skip mewing and visit your orthodontist instead if you are concerned about the shape of your jaw.

Meet the Practice

Dr. Patricia Simon is an experienced orthodontist who has completed a Fellowship in Craniofacial and Dentofacial Abnormalities at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. She is happy to put her extensive knowledge to work for patients who want to improve their facial aesthetics and overall oral function. To learn more about how she may be able to serve you, contact Lakewood Orthodontics at 214-826-9000.