What is Correct Tongue Posture and Why Does it Matter?
Correct tongue posture, also known as mewing, has become an increasingly popular concept in recent years. It refers to training your tongue to rest against the roof of your mouth, which is considered the ideal resting position. Proper tongue posture is said to provide both health and aesthetic benefits when practiced consistently over time.
The History of Mewing
The term "mewing" comes from Dr. John Mew, a British orthodontist who pioneered the technique in the 1980s. However, the concept of correct tongue posture dates back over a century to the teachings of Dr. Weston Price.
Dr. Price studied multiple indigenous tribes and noted how they all had straight teeth and wide faces despite lacking access to orthodontic care. He attributed this to correct development thanks to a nutrient-rich diet and proper oral posture habits.
Dr. Mew built upon this work by studying facial development and the link between modern lifestyle factors and crooked teeth. Through his orthodontic practice, he began advising clients to mew in order to guide healthy facial growth.
How to Mew Properly
When you mew correctly, your entire tongue should rest snugly against the roof of your mouth. The tip of the tongue fits behind your front teeth while the back of your tongue lifts to meet your soft palate.
To find the proper mewing tongue position, say the nnn sound and hold your tongue in place when finished. Alternatively, swallow and keep your tongue on your palate after the swallow rather than letting it fall.
When mewing, your tongue should spread outward to fill your whole palate rather than overly tensing or jutting outward. Maintaining this posture at all times except for chewing and speaking trains the muscles to remember the position.
The Benefits of Proper Tongue Posture
Research increasingly supports the health and aesthetic benefits linked to correct tongue posture:
- Expanding the maxilla (upper jaw) for a wider facial shape
- Providing room for straight teeth and properly aligned bite
- Reducing risk of sleep disorders by keeping airway open
- Decreasing sinus issues
- Supporting proper head and neck alignment
- Potentially enhancing facial attractiveness over time
The earlier you begin mewing, the more pronounced the facial changes may be since the bones are still growing and developing. However, people of all ages can reap rewards from adopting better tongue posture habits.
Does Mewing Really Work?
The Impact on Facial Structure and Teeth
Applying light, consistent pressure from an early age can expand the maxilla and palate to guide facial growth. This gives teeth adequate room, lessening their likelihood for overcrowding or misalignment.
While genetics and age impact results, numerous people anecdotally report positive effects from mewing. Documented facial changes often take 6 to 12+ months to become noticeable.
The Role of Posture in Growth
Proper body and head posture creates an optimal environment for the spine, muscles, and bones to develop correctly. Since the tongue anchors facial structure, maintaining its ideal position enables balanced growth.
Conversely, slouching and mouth breathing linked to modern lifestyles may restrict airway space. This promotes poor facial development often marked by a narrow, elongated shape and crowded teeth. Reversing this pattern early on can guide the face and jaw toward reaching their genetic potential.
Potential Concerns with Mewing
When practiced gently, mewing poses few risks. However, overzealous proponents warn that forcing tongue posture too extremely can potentially contribute to unbalanced muscular activity or dental problems in some cases.
Since evidence on mewing comes mainly from clinical observations rather than major research studies so far, some health professionals also view the benefits as unproven theories.
Ultimately, the non-invasive nature of proper tongue posture makes it low risk for most people when applied moderately and built up gradually as a lifelong habit.
Incorporating Mewing into Your Routine
Training the Tongue
Relearning correct tongue posture takes conscious effort, especially if you need to overcome years of mouth breathing habits. Pushing too aggressively risks overworking the tongue at first.
Use gentle reminders like stickers and phone alerts to prompt you to check and reset your tongue position throughout the day. Over time, mewing should become second nature.
Supplementing with Other Oral Exercises
While mewing trains the tongue itself, chewing exercises like mastic gum or falim gum can strengthen the surrounding muscles. This helps support mewing efforts through improved ability to keep the tongue raised.
Chin tucks are another complementary exercise helping correct head and neck posture for better alignment and optimal oral function.
Supporting Overall Health
Strengthening your body physically through whole foods, vitamins (especially fat-soluble A, D3, K2), and lifestyle factors creates an internal environment conducive for ideal facial growth and development potential.
Be patient through the process, as reshaping bone and muscular patterns requires months for noticeable change. But sticking diligently with proper oral posture principles can yield significant improvements over time.
FAQs
What age is it best to start mewing?
It's ideal to begin mewing in childhood while the facial bones are still developing. However, people of all ages can benefit from adopting proper oral posture.
How long until I see results from mewing?
Facial changes often take 6 to 12 months to become visibly noticeable. However, it’s crucial to stick with mewing long term as reshaping bone structure is a gradual process requiring diligent consistency.
Will mewing help with my double chin or jowls?
Over time, mewing can help tone and define the jawline. As the maxilla expands, skin has more surface area to stretch across which reduces sagging. Proper swallowing technique also helps engage important neck muscles.
Can mewing fix an overbite or underbite?
In mild cases, mewing may help guide proper tooth alignment and bite issues. However, for moderate to severe cases, working with an orthodontist is recommended in tandem with mewing.
Does mewing work for adults too or only kids?
People of any age can reap benefits from mewing. However, results are typically more dramatic the earlier you start since bones are still growing and fusing during youth.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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