Does Mewing Really Affect Your Eyes? A Complete Scientific Guide

What Is Mewing And How Does It Work?

Mewing is a facial exercise technique that has recently gone viral online. It involves training yourself to rest your tongue against the roof of your mouth while keeping your teeth together. The goal of mewing is to widen the palate and strengthen the jaw over time through proper tongue posture.

The concept was popularized in recent years by British orthotontist Dr. Mike Mew. Dr. Mew believes that modern diets and lifestyle factors have led to poor facial development in many people. He theorizes that mewing can help correct these issues by guiding proper facial growth.

According to Dr. Mew, mewing works by applying light upward pressure to the maxilla bone using the tongue. The maxilla forms the upper jaw and helps determine the shape and structure of the face. Over time, this gentle pressure from mewing may stimulate the maxilla to grow wider and more forwards.

This can potentially lead to an expanded palate, improved jawline definition, higher cheekbones, and a more symmetrical face. Proponents believe mewing enhances facial attractiveness and helps correct orthodontic issues like crowded teeth or poor bite alignment when done consistently over months and years.

Proposed Benefits of Mewing

• Wider palate
• Stronger jawline
• Higher cheekbones
• Straighter teeth
• Improved facial symmetry
• More defined facial structure

Does Mewing Affect Your Eyes?

Many people wonder if mewing can impact the area around the eyes as well. After all, mewing aims to change the shape and structure of the upper jaw, which is located right below the eyes.

Here is an overview of how mewing could potentially affect the eyes and eye area:

Reduced Eye Strain

Some proponents of mewing claim it can reduce eye strain. They believe mewing helps expand the palate and nasal airways. This may improve breathing and air circulation, reducing pressure and discomfort around the eyes.

However, there is currently no scientific evidence to support that mewing alleviates eye strain. More research is needed on the potential effects of mewing on ocular health.

Altered Eye Shape

It is logically possible that mewing could slightly alter the visible shape or structure of the eyes over an extended period. This is because mewing aims to move the maxilla bone, which forms the lower edge of the eye sockets.

If mewing successfully expands the palate and pulls the maxilla forward, it could potentially lead to subtle changes in the eye shape. However, it would likely take years of consistent mewing to achieve noticeable results.

Higher Eyebrows

Some mewing supporters also believe the technique can lead to a slight lift in the eyebrows by stimulating upward facial growth. This is attributed to forward movement of the maxilla.

There is minimal evidence available on mewing and eyebrow height. Slight changes may be possible long-term, but likely not dramatic differences. More research is required on the implications of mewing for the delicate eye area.

Can Mewing Improve Under-Eye Bags?

Under-eye bags are a cosmetic concern for many people. Some claim that mewing can help diminish under-eye bags over time. However, there is no clinical proof that mewing reduces undereye bags or dark circles.

Under-eye bags are often caused by thin skin, fat deposits, allergies, sleep deprivation, genetics, and aging. Mewing is unlikely to tackle these root causes. Consult a dermatologist for proven ways to minimize the appearance of under-eye bags.

Guide to Performing Mewing Correctly

If you want to try mewing for yourself, here are some tips to get the technique right:

Posture

Stand or sit up straight when mewing. Proper head and neck alignment helps activate the correct muscles.

Tongue Placement

Rest the entire tongue against the roof of the mouth. The tip of the tongue should press lightly on the area right behind the front teeth.

Teeth Together

Keep both rows of teeth closed and aligned while mewing. Do not clench the jaw forcefully.

Lip Seal

Keep lips gently sealed to contain the tongue posture. Avoid pressing the lips together too tightly.

Chin Tuck

Advance the lower jaw slightly by pulling the chin back. This helps engage the correct facial muscles.

Swallowing

Make a conscious effort to swallow correctly by using the back third of the tongue against the soft palate.

Time and Consistency

Maintain proper tongue posture whenever possible. Mewing requires consistent practice day after day to produce gradual results.

Contraindications and Risks of Mewing

Mewing is generally considered safe when practiced carefully. However, there are some potential downsides to be aware of:

• May exacerbate TMJ disorders or jaw misalignment issues
• Can strain the tongue and facial muscles if overdone
• Not well-studied in medical literature yet
• Requires very consistent practice for noticeable effects
• Results will vary drastically between individuals

Consult an orthodontist before attempting mewing if you have any oral health issues. Stop mewing if it causes any pain or discomfort. As with any internet trend, approach mewing with reasonable expectations.

Does Mewing Really Work?

The internet is filled with bold claims about mewing and its ability to transform faces. But is there any scientific proof that mewing works as described?

Currently, there are no rigorous clinical studies examining the effectiveness of mewing. The existing evidence is limited to anecdotal reports, theoretical models, and small case studies. Here is an overview of the evidence:

Dr. Mew's Clinical Observations

Dr. Mike Mew has published case reports of patients with improved facial growth after using mewing techniques. However, these lack control groups and long-term tracking of precise changes.

Anecdotal Self-Reports

Some people share pictures claiming mewing changed the appearance of their face. But many factors beyond mewing could be responsible, like aging, weight changes, or camera angles.

Animal Studies

A few animal experiments support the idea that tongue posture influences jaw development. But more research is needed to confirm this occurs in humans as well.

Overall, the current evidence for mewing is intriguing but preliminary. Properly controlled clinical trials are needed to determine if mewing can reliably improve facial structure as described. Mewing requires patience and diligent practice to notice potential subtle changes.

Expert Recommendations on Mewing

Many health professionals have voiced concerns over the mewing craze.

Orthodontists warn there is minimal clinical proof mewing significantly alters bone structure. Maxillofacial surgeons also caution mewing could disrupt bite alignment or exacerbate jaw issues in some cases.

Most experts agree there is no harm in maintaining proper tongue, mouth, and neck posture. But they advise against relying on mewing alone to alter facial features.

Traditional orthodontic treatments remain the only scientifically proven way to correct misaligned teeth, narrow jaws, and similar issues. Always consult a dentist or orthodontist first before attempting mewing.

Tips for Safe Mewing Practice

• Avoid overdoing mewing or pushing the tongue too hard into the palate
• Check for signs of teeth misalignment or TMJ pain
• Practice good oral hygiene habits while mewing
• Get regular dental checkups for a professional assessment
• Use mewing to complement orthodontic treatment when recommended

The Bottom Line

Mewing has become a popular DIY facial exercise routine, especially among teens and young adults striving to enhance their appearance. But the dramatic facial transformations often portrayed in online mewing content remain scientifically unproven.

There may be some potential benefits to proper oral posture exercises. However, mewing is unlikely to provide significant or quick results on its own. Mewing requires dedication to proper tongue, mouth, and head positioning for months or years before expecting visible changes.

Always consult an orthodontist about the safest way to address any concerns with facial growth, alignment, or structure. Be cautious of reliance on internet trends like mewing as shortcuts to achieve an idealized appearance. Stay realistic about the limitations of DIY approaches and focus on overall health.

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.