Mewing is the practice of pressing your tongue against the roof of your mouth in the belief that it can redefine your jawline and even improve your facial structure over time. Proponents claim that maintaining this posture consistently can reshape and restructure your jaw, reduce jaw pain, improve sleep apnoea, minimise snoring, and treat dental occlusions (overlapping teeth).

You’ll be surprised to know that this is not a new Gen Z buzzword; the method is named after British orthodontist John Mew, who began promoting it in the 1970s as part of a broader system called orthotropics, which emphasises proper jaw posture and tongue placement for children. 

While the Mews have gained a cult following online, their methods have sparked significant controversy within the orthodontic community. The controversy hit its peak when John Mew lost his dental license in 2019, following criticism from Britain’s General Dental Council. Despite this, their ideas remain popular on social media, attracting millions looking for non-surgical ways to enhance their appearance.

Interestingly, the term “mewing” wasn’t coined by the Mews themselves. It originated from an online movement where individuals latched onto orthotropic ideas to improve their jawlines. Originally intended for young, growing children, these methods are now being applied by adults who want to alter their facial structure. 

According to WebMD, mewing involves a few simple steps:

While the steps may seem straightforward, orthodontists caution against applying excessive pressure, as it can strain your jaw, neck, and facial muscles. Additionally, those with braces or ongoing orthodontic treatments should avoid mewing without professional supervision.

The effectiveness of mewing is highly debated. While its advocates showcase before-and-after photos online, experts stress that there is no credible, peer-reviewed research proving Mewing's claims. These anecdotal results cannot be taken as evidence of its effectiveness.

Research has, however, drawn connections between jaw development and oral posture. Studies suggest that smaller jaws in humans may be linked to issues such as crooked teeth, mouth breathing, and sleep apnoea. Researchers propose solutions like eating tougher foods in childhood, chewing gum, and performing breathing and swallowing exercises to promote better jaw development.

While these findings align with some orthotropic ideas, they don’t directly validate mewing for adults. The American Association of Orthodontists strongly discourages unsupervised attempts to alter bite alignment, including mewing.

Beyond the lack of scientific backing, mewing carries potential risks. Applying too much pressure can strain facial muscles, while attempting to change jaw structure as an adult may lead to unanticipated complications. Orthodontists warn that relying on mewing could divert individuals from proven orthodontic treatments that address dental or facial concerns effectively.

Mewing has captured widespread attention for its promise of a chiselled jawline and other health benefits, but its effectiveness remains unproven. While certain aspects of oral posture and jaw development are supported by research, mewing itself lacks scientific validation and carries risks if done improperly. 

For anyone considering it, consulting a licensed orthodontist is essential. Until more evidence emerges, mewing remains an intriguing but contentious trend, one that’s as much about internet fascination as it is about science.