Demystifying the Mewing Phenomenon
In recent years, the term "mewing" has gained popularity online as a purported method for reshaping the face. But what exactly is mewing, and does it really work? Let's delve into the science and controversy surrounding this buzzy technique.
The Origins of Mewing
Mewing was coined in the late 1990s by British orthodontist Dr. John Mew. Based on his clinical observations, Dr. Mew theorized that modern dietary softness and oral posture habits were causing jaw development issues in children.
To address this, Dr. Mew advocated for chewing tougher foods during childhood along with proper tongue posture. He believed pressing the tongue against the palate could guide facial growth and counteract negative modern oral habits.
The Internet's Embrace of Mewing
Though mewing remained relatively niche for years, it exploded in popularity around 2015 thanks to YouTube videos and Reddit threads extolling its benefits. Proponents claimed mewing could reshape the jawline, reduce double chins, and give an all-around more attractive, defined facial appearance.
Dissatisfied with their face shape and inspired by dramatic before-and-after photos, many people embraced mewing as a "natural" way to alter their facial aesthetics without surgery or appliances.
The Goals and Claims of Mewing
Advocates assert that mewing can:
- Strengthen and define the jawline
- Improve symmetry of the face
- Reduce the appearance of double chins
- Lessen the prominence of cheek and jaw fat pads
- Increase upturned shape of the lips
- Widen and elevate the cheekbones
- Improve facial attractiveness and harmony
These changes are attributed to mewing purportedly stimulating and reshaping the bones and muscles of the face over time through correct oral posture and tongue pressure.
The Theory Behind Mewing
The mewing theory is based on the idea that the forces exerted by proper tongue posture can guide the growth and development of the jaw and facial bones. Proponents argue that the constant pressure of the tongue against the maxilla (upper jaw) acts as a natural orthodontic appliance, pushing the bone forward and upward over time.
This is said to widen the palate and dental arch, stimulate forward growth of the cheekbones, improve vertical development of the lower jaw, and strengthen the jaw muscles. In theory, these combined skeletal and muscular adaptations can enhance facial definition and proportions.
The Technique of Mewing
The mewing technique itself consists of two components:
- Correct tongue posture - Resting the entire tongue against the roof of the mouth while keeping the tongue tip positioned just behind the front teeth.
- Correct body and head posture - Keeping the back straight, chin tucked slightly in, and mouth closed whenever possible.
Doing this consistently and making conscious efforts to avoid opening the mouth and protruding the tongue are said to be key. Proper swallowing technique is also emphasized, involving a light suction hold of the tongue to the palate while swallowing to generate upward force.
The Controversies Around Mewing
Despite its popularity online, mewing has stirred significant controversy and skepticism within the medical community. Some of the major critiques include:
- Lack of large rigorous studies on effectiveness and safety
- Anecdotal before-and-after photos are not scientifically valid evidence
- Changes may be due to normal facial growth and development
- Potential for negative orthodontic side effects like misalignment
- Unknown long-term impacts on teeth and bite
Critics also argue that facial bones are largely set after puberty, limiting mewing's potential in adults. And extreme force or posture habits may cause teeth grinding, pain, or TMJ issues according to some dentists.
The Question of Age and Effectiveness
There is debate around whether mewing can reshape facial structure in adults or only guide growth in children. According to advocates, results depend heavily on age and facial bone maturity:
- Children - Face is still actively growing allowing for bone remolding.
- Teens - Remodeling potential decreases as bones ossify.
- Early 20s - Minor structural changes may still occur.
- Late 20s+ - Any major changes are unlikely as bones have fused.
However, some proponents argue mewing can still strengthen jaw muscles and slightly improve facial definition past adolescence. Critics counter that any visible changes in adults are likely due to alterations in facial soft tissues and fat distribution rather than bone structure.
The Crux of the Debate - Hard Tissue Changes?
The fundamental question around mewing is whether or not it can stimulate growth changes in the hard tissues of the face (i.e. maxilla, mandible, zygomatic arches).
Proponents claim mewing's forces can remodel bone even after adolescence, leading to structural improvements. Critics argue there is no conclusive evidence for this and post-pubertal facial bones cannot be significantly altered in their size or position.
This disagreement forms the heart of the controversy. Belief in mewing's capacity to shift facial bones underlies most claims of effectiveness. But mewing's skeptic argue those purported skeletal changes are illusory at best.
Examining the Evidence Behind Mewing
The relevant scientific evidence around mewing's claims is complex and often inconclusive. Let's unpack some key points:
Animal Studies on Bone Remodeling from Forces
There is research showing that controlled mechanical forces applied to the maxilla and mandible can stimulate bone remodeling in rats, primates, and other animals. However, the degree of bone change from soft forces like tongue posture may be limited.
Studies on Tongue Posture and Facial Growth
Some observational studies show correlations between impaired tongue posture habits and poor jaw development in children. However, proving that tongue posture causes those growth issues is difficult.
Lack of Rigorous Clinical Trials in Humans
There have been no major controlled studies looking at mewing's long-term effects on facial structure and aesthetics in people. Case reports from orthodontists like Dr. Mew show positive outcomes but involve low patient numbers.
Anecdotal Before-and-After Photos
While dramatic online photos piqued interest in mewing, they do not qualify as scientific evidence. Changes could be due to normal development, weight loss, or angles/lighting. Controlled studies tracking objective facial measurements would be needed.
General Support for Body Posture's Impact
Some research does suggest that head and neck posture can influence jaw development and alignment. This lends plausibility to the mewing emphasis on posture along with tongue position.
A Rational Perspective on Mewing and Facial Change
Given the available evidence and controversies, what rational conclusions can be drawn about mewing?
Potential Benefits in Children
Mewing done gently may support proper oral habits that contribute to ideal jaw growth and facial development in children. But consulting an orthodontist is still recommended.
Unlikely Benefits in Adults
Major structural facial changes in adulthood are improbable. However, mewing may subtly strengthen jaw muscles or mildly improve facial definition in some early 20s adults.
Focus on Health Not Beauty
Rather than obsessing over attractiveness, mewing is best viewed as supporting oral health and proper body posture. These are worthwhile goals in themselves.
Gradual Changes Over Years
If changes do occur from mewing, they would be very gradual over years of daily consistency. Quick fixes or dramatic short-term results are marketing hype, not reality.
Avoid Extreme Forces
Pressing the tongue forcefully against the teeth/palate risks dental misalignment or pain. Light, consistent pressure is smarter than extreme force if practicing mewing.
Consult Experts if Concerned
Those worried about negative orthodontic effects or pre-existing conditions should consult dentists/orthodontists before attempting mewing.
In Conclusion
Mewing has become a popular self-improvement technique based on an intriguing but scientifically unproven theory of facial remodeling. Its actual effects likely depend heavily on age and vary greatly between individuals. Mewing is worth experimenting with gently, but unrealistic expectations should be avoided. And as with any orthodontic intervention, expert guidance is advised.
While mewing's dramatic claims have sparked both hype and skepticism, the truth likely lies somewhere in the middle. With judicious practice, mewing may support facial muscle strength, proper oral function, and ideal head/neck posture. These can be seen as worthwhile ends themselves. But mewing should be approached with rational expectations rather than the hopes of radically transforming facial aesthetics.
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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