mewing

Mewing is a trend that has gained popularity online, primarily on social media platforms, and refers to a purported facial strengthening technique. The core idea behind mewing is to consciously place the tongue against the roof of the mouth, with the entire tongue resting flatly against the palate. Proponents of mewing suggest that by consistently maintaining this tongue posture, individuals can influence the structure and alignment of their facial bones over time.

The practice is named after John Mew, a British orthodontist, and his father, Mike Mew, who have promoted the concept of "orthotropics," a treatment they claim can correct facial imbalances and improve facial structure through natural means. They argue that proper tongue posture is crucial for proper facial development, particularly during childhood and adolescence. While proponents claim benefits such as a more defined jawline, improved facial symmetry, and better breathing, these claims are largely anecdotal and lack robust scientific backing from the mainstream medical and orthodontic communities.

Orthodontists and medical professionals generally do not endorse mewing as a scientifically validated method for altering bone structure. They emphasize that significant changes to facial bone structure typically require orthodontic intervention or surgical procedures, especially after growth and development are complete. The existing scientific literature does not support the idea that tongue posture alone can substantially reshape the skull or facial bones in adults. While maintaining correct tongue posture can be beneficial for oral health and breathing in some cases, its purported ability to alter facial aesthetics in the way often described in online communities is not scientifically proven.