How to Hard Mew Properly: Intensifying Facial Exercises

What is Hard Mewing?

Mewing is a facial exercise technique that has recently gone viral. It aims to restructure the jaw and face by correct tongue posture and chewing motions. Hard mewing takes this exercise a step further for advanced facial change.

But does mewing really work? By understanding the science behind it, we can better assess its validity and how to perform hard mewing for optimal results.

The Theory Behind Hard Mewing

Mewing theory stems from orthotropics - a concept focused on how the soft tissues of the head and neck guide facial growth patterns. It suggests our modern lifestyle leads to poor development.

By actively training the tongue to rest upwards, mewing allegedly stimulates ideal facial tissue and bone structure. Performing the motions with extra force is known as hard mewing.

Applied pressure from this intense version may encourage more rapid change by strongly activating muscles or nerves. But this intense approach remains controversial.

What Does the Evidence Show?

Research on mewing is still in early stages, yet initial findings give some support:

• Proper oral posture may widen dental arches over time, aligning front teeth
• Upward tongue pressure can slightly alter midfacial bone if sustained
• Chewing exercises boost muscle strength to better support facial structures

More research is still needed regarding intensity for the hard mewing approach. Always discuss severe interventions with your orthodontist first.

How to Start Hard Mewing

If practiced gently at the start, mewing may offer facial enhancement. Integrating its motions daily trains the neuromuscular system toward proper positional habits.

Tongue Posture

The basis of mewing relies on correct tongue posture. To begin:

1. Rest the whole tongue upwards against the palate
2. Keep the back 1/3 of the tongue firm on the roof of the mouth
3. Maintain light suction hold as the tongue posture baseline

Working on keeping proper tongue position throughout day and night sets the foundation. From here, we intensify mewing techniques.

Added Intensity Techniques

After adapting regular mewing motions, some choose to take things up a notch. Hard mewing tactics utilize extra pressure for heightened response. Methods include:

1. Forceful upward pressing

Actively press the entire tongue upwards with greater force onto your palate. Apply for 5-10 seconds, release and repeat several times per day.

2. Suction hold

Create a strong vacuum by sucking the tongue tightly to the roof of the mouth. Engage several sets for a few seconds at a time.

3. Tongue chewing

"Chew" forcefully upwards in wave-like motions using only your tongue. Perform in intervals of 15+ repetitions.

Always give muscles a break between vigorous sets to avoid overwork. Start slowly as you acclimate.

Maximizing Hard Mewing Results

Implementing solid techniques lays groundwork, but optimizing wider lifestyle factors boosts mewing progress:

Improve Head Posture

Exercises to straighten neck and back alignment enhance oral posture practice. Stand, sit or sleep without rounded shoulders or jutting head for better tone and positioning.

Quit Smoking

Smoking restricts blood flow while promoting collagen breakdown. Both hinder tissue support needed for mewing gains. Cut out smoking to assist face changing efficiency.

Manage Allergies or Sinus Issues

Difficulty breathing through the nose due to congestion makes proper tongue position challenging. Treat allergy problems to encourage nasal airway growth.

Eat Soft Foods

Hard or tough foods require lots of chewing power from temporalis muscles that can inhibit mewing progress. Stick to soft, easy to eat dishes.

Chew Gum

Chewing gum boosts jaw and masseter muscle strength for better facial support as you mew. Aim for at least 30 mins daily.

Use Reminder Tools

Taping the mouth shut, specialized orthodontic devices, or simple alerts on your phone help reinforce proper tongue posture all day.

Perfecting Hard Mewing Chewing Patterns

Alongside tongue placement, chewing motions redirect growth as well. Targeted chewing enhances mewing progress.

What’s the Goal?

Chewing aims to direct force upward instead of outward pressure that can cause strain. We want to engage the maxilla and palate for support.

How to Chew Properly

To start optimal patterns:

1. Keep teeth lightly together
2. Place tongue on palate
3. Open/close jaw straight up/down
4. Do NOT shift jaw sides to side

Practice conscious, strong biting straight up and down rather than lateral motions.

Further Intensifying Your Bite

If adapting regular chewing, try stepping up pressure. Clench teeth forcefully together directly upward. Relax and repeat for short intervals a few times daily.

Avoid overworking muscles to prevent pain. And refrain from sustained forceful biting which strains joints.

Precautions to Take with Hard Mewing

Since research on more extreme mewing techniques is limited, it’s smart to take care when increasing intensity:

Avoid Aggressive Methods if You Have Fillings or Dental Work

Putting too much pressure on existing dental repairs risks damage or dislodging them. Check with your dentist before attempting advanced methods.

Don't Engage Too Strongly if You Have TMJ Issues

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction causes pain when overworked. Check with your doctor if you suspect TMJ troubles before intensifying chewing or pressure.

See a Myofunctional Therapist If Unsure About Techniques

These specialists treat poor oral muscle strength or rest posture issues. Have one evaluate your unique case to guide appropriate mewing adjustments.

While mostly safe performed gently, rapidly progressing too aggressively risks complications. Increase force gradually and talk to experts if concerns arise.

The Takeaway: Start Low, Go Slow with Hard Mewing

Early evidence indicates facial exercises like mewing bring subtle change over time - but solid research on taking techniques to extremes is lacking.

Gentle, consistent oral posture training reinforces proper muscle activation helpful for facial balance and symmetry. Introducing intense pressure may encourage more drastic changes.

Yet aggressively forcing tongue position or chewing leaves room for tooth damage or jaw joint problems if executed recklessly. Work gradually under professional guidance for best hard mewing outcomes.

Patience allows the neuromuscular system to adapt activation patterns guiding facial growth. By supporting correct oral form daily, changes happen organically.

Rather than rushing into advanced intensities, begin retraining tongue and chewing habits through regular, gentle mewing first. Maintain proper head and neck alignment simultaneously as well for optimal gains.

Consistency over time is vital when mewing - hard or soft. Stick to smart methods alongside posture and lifestyle optimization for ideal facial enhancement.

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.