The world of men’s health and self-improvement is constantly evolving and finding new “hacks”, but amidst all of the latest trends, an older practice has re-emerged and is captivating the youth: mewing. Social media is buzzing with claims that this simple technique can totally reshape the jawline, enhance facial aesthetics, and even improve one’s breathing. 

As mentioned, mewing isn’t a new thing – it comes from a lesser-known field called orthotropics, pioneered by a certain Dr. John Mew. As the trend resurfaces, it’s worth revisiting its origins, separating fact from fiction, and understanding what mewing can actually do for guys striving for a better facial structure.

What’s Mewing?

Mewing is a practice centered around maintaining proper tongue posture to encourage optimal facial development. It involves placing the tongue flat against the roof of the mouth, ensuring nasal breathing, and maintaining good oral posture throughout the day. Advocates argue that over time, this can help define the jawline, improve alignment, and even aid in better breathing and sleep.

This technique has on and off been popular among guys looking for non-surgical ways to enhance their facial structure. The idea is that consistent oral posture can influence bone growth, particularly in younger folks whose facial bones are still developing. Now we’re seeing men from a lot of different demographics jumping on board, hoping to gain some level of aesthetic and functional improvement from the “looksmaxxer” crowds and “Chad” jawlines.

The History of Orthotropics and Dr. John Mew

The foundations of mewing trace back to the field of orthotropics, a branch of dentistry that focuses on guiding facial growth through proper oral posture. Dr. John Mew, a British orthodontist, developed the concept in the 1970s, challenging conventional orthodontics by arguing that facial structure is largely dictated by habits rather than genetics alone.

Dr. Mew’s theories suggested that poor oral posture – mouth breathing, incorrect tongue positioning, and improper swallowing – contribute to malocclusion (misaligned teeth), weak jawlines, and poor facial development. Instead of relying on braces to straighten teeth, he advocated for early intervention using oral posture techniques to naturally guide jaw growth.

Despite its pretty logical approach, orthotropics has long been dismissed by mainstream dentistry and orthodontics. Dr. Mew, as well as his son Mike Mew, have faced losses of their licenses, fines, and expulsions from the British Orthodontic Society due to their unconventional stances and challenging of the prevailing systems. However, with the rise of social media and the resurgence of interest in natural aesthetics, their ideas are once again gaining traction.

Why Men Are Interested: Potential Aesthetic and Health Benefits

In the age of Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, the pressure to look good is higher than ever. Many men are drawn to mewing for its potential to enhance facial aesthetics, particularly by achieving a sharper jawline. A well-defined jaw is often associated with masculinity, attractiveness, and even perceived dominance.

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Beyond aesthetics, there are some functional benefits that make mewing an appealing practice:

• Improved Nasal Breathing: Mouth breathing is linked to numerous health issues, including sleep apnea, snoring, and poor oxygenation. Mewing encourages nasal breathing, which is healthier and more efficient.
• Better Facial Symmetry: Advocates claim that maintaining proper oral posture can help prevent asymmetries and encourage balanced facial growth.
• Stronger Jaw Muscles: Engaging the tongue and jaw correctly may lead to a more toned and structured facial appearance.
• TMJ and Postural Benefits: Some individuals report reduced jaw pain and improved posture after adopting proper oral habits.

The Science Behind It: Does Mewing Actually Work?

Skeptics argue that mewing is overhyped, but there is some scientific basis to the practice. The principle behind mewing aligns with the concept of bone remodeling, which states that bones are continuously reshaped by external forces. This is why orthodontic treatments work – the pressure applied by braces or aligners gradually moves teeth and alters jaw structure over time.

For children and adolescents, whose facial bones are still developing, mewing may have the most significant impact. The maxilla (upper jaw) and mandible (lower jaw) are malleable during growth phases, meaning consistent tongue posture could help guide development.

For adults, the effects are less dramatic but not entirely absent. While mewing won’t drastically reshape an adult jaw, consistent oral posture could certainly still contribute to minor improvements in definition and alignment, especially over time. Additionally, proper tongue posture can help with breathing and reduce strain on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

Common Myths and Misconceptions

Like any health trend, mewing has been surrounded by myths and unrealistic expectations. Let’s clear up some of the most common misconceptions:

• “Mewing will give you a chiseled jawline overnight.”
  • In reality, mewing is a long-term practice. Even in children, noticeable changes take months or years.
• “Adults can completely reshape their facial structure.”
  • While adults may see minor improvements, mewing works best in younger individuals with growing bones.
• “Mewing can replace surgery or orthodontics.”
  • For severe jaw misalignment, surgical intervention or orthodontic treatment can be necessary.
• “If you don’t dramatically mew, perfectly, all day every day, it won’t work.”
  • Consistency matters more than perfection. Gradual improvement in oral posture is still beneficial.

Practical Tips for Effective Mewing

For those who want to work mewing into their day-to-day, here are some actionable tips:

• Position Your Tongue Properly: The entire tongue should rest against the roof of the mouth, not just the tip.
• Keep Your Mouth Closed: Always breathe through your nose, except of course when speaking.
• Swallow Correctly: Use your tongue to push food back rather than relying on cheek and lip muscles.
• Maintain Good Posture: A forward head posture can negatively affect mewing results. Keep your spine aligned.
• Be Patient and Consistent: Results take time, and changes may be subtle at first.

The Bigger Picture: Orthotropics vs. Traditional Orthodontics

Mewing is just one aspect of orthotropics, which challenges the traditional orthodontic approach. Traditional orthodontics primarily focuses on straightening teeth using braces, often without considering the impact on facial structure. Critics argue that extractions and retractive treatments can lead to less attractive facial outcomes and even worsen breathing problems.

Orthotropics, on the other hand, aims to optimize overall facial harmony by addressing underlying causes of poor development. While not widely accepted in mainstream orthodontics, its principles are gaining attention as more people seek holistic and more natural approaches to health and aesthetics.

Conclusion: Should You Try Mewing?

Mewing has become a viral phenomenon for a reason – a lot of guys are looking for non-invasive ways to enhance their appearance and improve their health. While it’s not a magic bullet, there’s enough logic behind it to make it worth considering.

For folks on the younger end of the spectrum, particularly kids and teens, proper oral posture can have a big impact on their facial growth. For adults, the benefits may be more subtle but still valuable, especially when we look at breathing, jaw tension, and overall facial tone.

At the end of the day, mewing is a low-risk, potentially high-reward practice. If done correctly and consistently, it can contribute to better facial structure, improved health, and increased confidence. Whether you’re here for the aesthetics, the functionality, or just the curiosity, mewing is certainly a trend worth revisiting.