If you’ve ever scrolled through social media and encountered people showing off their mewing before and after transformations, you might have wondered whether this technique works.
Many claim that mewing can redefine the jawline, improve posture, and even enhance facial aesthetics simply by changing your tongue’s position. But is there any truth to these claims?
For those new to the concept, understanding what is meant is essential. Mewing is a technique that involves placing the tongue on the roof of the mouth and maintaining this posture consistently throughout the day.
The idea is that, over time, this can help shape the jaw and facial structure. While some swear by its effectiveness, others remain skeptical. In this article, we’ll break down the science behind mewing, how to do it properly with a step-by-step mewing tutorial, and what kind of results you can realistically expect.
How Mewing Works: The Science Behind the Practice
To understand how mewing works, it’s essential to grasp the basic idea of facial posture. Developed by Dr. John Mew, a British orthodontist, this method is based on the principles of orthotropics, which focus on guiding facial growth through proper oral posture.
The central idea is that by keeping your tongue pressed against the roof of your mouth, you create upward pressure that may influence the position of your jaw, cheekbones, and even nasal passageways.
Some mewing proponents believe this technique can help improve facial aesthetics, particularly in younger individuals whose bones are still developing. However, the effects may be more subtle for adults.
While maintaining good tongue posture can strengthen facial muscles and possibly lead to minor improvements in jawline definition, it is unlikely to cause dramatic facial restructuring.
Does Mewing Work? What Experts Say
The question of whether mewing works is widely debated. While some orthodontists and fitness influencers praise its benefits, many medical professionals argue that the results are often overstated.
Some studies suggest consistent oral posture may improve facial balance, especially in younger individuals. However, little scientific evidence proves that mewing can significantly alter the bone structure in adults.
Despite this, many people report positive changes after practicing mewing for several months or years. Some claim that their jawline appears more defined, their posture has improved, and they experience better breathing patterns.
While individual results vary, the key takeaway is that mewing is not a quick fix it requires long-term consistency and realistic expectations.
Mewing Tutorial: How to Do It Correctly
For those interested in mewing, following a proper mewing tutorial is essential to achieving the best possible results. The technique involves a few key steps, but the most important aspect is maintaining correct tongue posture.
Proper Tongue Placement
To start, close your mouth entirely and place your tongue against the roof of your mouth. Many people make the mistake of only pressing the tip of their tongue upward, but for mewing to be effective, the entire tongue, including the middle and back, must be engaged.
Your lips should remain lightly closed, and your teeth should either be touching gently or slightly apart. Breathing should be done exclusively through the nose, as mouth breathing can counteract the benefits of mewing.
Consistency and Habit Formation
Practicing mewing consistently throughout the day is key. Unlike an exercise you do for a short period, this technique is intended to become a habitual posture. Over time, as the muscles in your face and jaw adjust, keeping your tongue in the correct position will become second nature.
Common Mistakes People Make When Mewing
Many beginners struggle with mewing because they unknowingly make errors that hinder their progress. One common mistake is pressing too hard, leading to discomfort and even tension headaches. Others fail to engage the back of the tongue, focusing only on the tip, which reduces the technique’s effectiveness. Clenching the teeth or forcing the jaw into an unnatural position can cause strain rather than improvement.
Overcoming Mouth Breathing
Mouth breathing is another major obstacle to successful mewing. People accustomed to breathing through their mouth may find it difficult to switch to nasal breathing, but this step is crucial. Overcoming these mistakes requires patience and awareness, but the correct mewing technique will feel natural with time.
Mewing Before and After: What Results Can You Expect?
One of the main reasons people are drawn to mewing is the promise of visible improvements. When looking at mewing before and after photos online, it’s easy to be impressed by the striking transformations some individuals claim to have achieved. However, it’s essential to separate fact from fiction when setting expectations.
Mewing and Age-Related Differences
Mewing may contribute to more noticeable changes for younger individuals whose facial bones are still growing. Adolescents and young adults may experience subtle yet meaningful jawline definition and facial symmetry improvements. For older individuals, mewing is more likely to enhance muscle tone and posture rather than dramatically reshape the face.
The Importance of Consistency
Consistency is crucial. Those who practice mewing daily and combine it with proper nutrition, posture improvement, and overall fitness may see more defined results over time. However, changes will likely be gradual rather than immediate.
How Long Should You Mew in a Day for the Best Results?
Unlike exercises performed for short bursts, mewing is meant to be practiced continuously. You should maintain proper tongue posture throughout the entire day. At first, this may require conscious effort, but as your muscles adapt, it will become a natural habit.
Setting small daily reminders for those new to mewing can help reinforce correct posture. Over time, as nasal breathing becomes second nature and the tongue remains properly positioned without conscious effort, mewing can be maintained effortlessly.
Is Mewing Permanent? Long-Term Effects on Facial Structure
A common concern is whether the changes brought about by mewing are permanent. The answer depends mainly on age and consistency. Younger individuals may experience long-lasting structural changes due to the flexibility of developing bones. However, for adults, any improvements in jawline definition and facial posture must be maintained through ongoing practice.
Mewing and Jawline Definition: Does It Help Sharpen Your Jaw?
Many people try mewing specifically to enhance jawline definition. While some experience subtle improvements, the effectiveness of mewing in reshaping the jaw depends on various factors, including genetics, diet, and overall muscle tone. Those looking for a more defined jawline may benefit from combining mewing with facial exercises, a healthy diet, and overall fitness.
Looking for Confidence-Boosting Solutions? San Jose Mental Health Can Help
Confidence isn’t just about appearances, it’s about feeling good inside and out. While trends like mewing have gained attention for their potential to enhance facial aesthetics and posture, true confidence comes from physical and mental well-being.
At San Jose Mental Health, we believe in holistic approaches to self-improvement. Whether working on better habits, overcoming self-doubt, or managing stress and anxiety, our expert team supports you. Confidence starts from within, and we’re here to help you build it in a way that lasts.
FAQs
How do you do mewing?
Mewing involves maintaining proper tongue posture by pressing the entire tongue against the roof of your mouth, keeping your lips closed and teeth lightly touching. Consistency is key this practice may help with facial structure and breathing over time.
What is mewing for Gen Z?
For Gen Z, mewing has become a viral trend on social media, with many believing it can enhance jawline definition and improve facial aesthetics. While it’s not an instant fix, the practice aligns with the generation’s focus on self-improvement and wellness.
Does mewing work?
The effectiveness of mewing varies. Some report improved jawline definition and posture over time, while others see minimal change. Setting realistic expectations and understanding that mewing alone won’t drastically alter facial structure is essential.
How long should I mew in a day?
Mewing is meant to be a long-term habit rather than a set-time exercise. You should maintain proper tongue posture throughout the day as part of your natural resting position.
Are mewing results permanent?
Results from mewing can be long-lasting if maintained, but stopping the practice may lead to a reversal over time. Like with posture or muscle tone, consistency is essential to retain potential benefits.
