The Mewing Trend: Can It Really Reshape Your Jawline?

If you've spent any time on TikTok or Instagram, chances are you've come across the term "mewing." It's a trending facial exercise that promises to reshape your jawline and improve your overall facial structure. But what exactly is mewing, and does it really work?

The history behind mewing is that it’s named after Dr. John Mew, an orthodontist who, along with his son Dr. Mike Mew, advocates for the technique. The basic idea is that by correctly positioning your tongue against the roof of your mouth, you can influence the alignment of your teeth and the shape of your jaw over time.

It all sounds pretty harmless but that’s before it spread like wildfire among Gen Z and Gen Alpha - to the extent they refuse to answer questions in class; placing their fingers to their lips then pointing to their jawline, as if to say, “Can’t talk right now, I’m sculpting my jawline.”

What’s more, thanks to influencers on social media platforms posting before-and-after photos, claiming dramatic transformations in their jawlines and facial structures, it’s seen as a sure-fire hit. In fact, videos about mewing and jawline improvement have started trending, with billions of views and likes propelling the technique into the spotlight. And, to be frank, the appeal is obvious: who wouldn’t want a chiseled jawline without resorting to surgery or other invasive methods?

So, if you’re only just hearing about this for the first time, your instinct is to want to try mewing for yourself, right? Ok, here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:

Place the entire surface of your tongue against the roof of your mouth. It should be flat and not just the tip of your tongue.

Keep your lips together but relaxed. Avoid any tension around your mouth.

Ensure you're breathing through your nose, not your mouth. This helps maintain the correct tongue posture.

Your teeth should be gently touching or slightly apart. Don't clench your jaw.

Try to maintain this position as much as possible throughout the day, especially when you're not talking or eating. This is what has given rise to the “Can’t talk, mewing” part of the trend.

Ok, there's the million-dollar question: does mewing actually work? No. No it doesn’t. Sorry to burst the bubble but while many people on social media swear by their results, scientific evidence is lacking.

See, proponents argue that mewing can help with better jaw alignment and overall facial aesthetics. What’s more, they claim that consistent practice can encourage proper oral posture, which in turn might affect the shape of your face over time. And it’s fair to say that some orthodontists believe that correct tongue posture can support the dental arch but it’s not a widely held fact.

As such, the scientific community remains skeptical. The problem is, there are no robust clinical studies that definitively prove mewing can alter your jawline significantly. In fact, most changes reported by mewing enthusiasts could be attributed to other factors, such as weight loss, natural growth, or even the placebo effect.

On top of that, some orthodontists warn that improper tongue posture could potentially cause more harm than good. It might lead to issues like tongue thrusting, which can affect your bite and dental health.

So, while it’s not a quick fix for the perfect jawline, it’s important to take a moment to talk about this seriously. This may sound obvious but not everything that goes viral has a solid foundation in science. So, before writing a note saying your kid can freely mew in class or jumping on the mewing bandwagon yourself, remember not every internet trend is worth following, especially when it comes to your health.

That said, there’s no harm in staying curious and informed, just don’t forget to take social media trends with a grain of salt.

A. Mewing is a technique involving proper tongue posture, named after Dr. John Mew. It involves pressing your tongue against the roof of your mouth to potentially influence facial structure and jaw alignment.

A. Mewing gained popularity through social media, particularly on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where users shared their transformations and tips using hashtags like mewing and jawline.

A. Yes, mewing involves placing your tongue flat against the roof of your mouth, keeping your lips closed, breathing through your nose, and ensuring your teeth are lightly touching or slightly apart.

A. While many social media users claim positive results, there is no conclusive scientific evidence that mewing can significantly change your jawline. Most changes reported may be due to other factors like weight loss or natural growth.

A. Generally, mewing is considered safe, but incorrect tongue posture can potentially cause dental issues like tongue thrusting. It's best to consult with a healthcare professional if you have concerns.

A. Currently, there are no robust clinical studies proving that mewing can significantly alter facial structure. Most evidence is anecdotal and comes from personal testimonials rather than scientific research.

A. Yes, other methods include facial exercises, a balanced diet, weight management, and potentially cosmetic procedures. It's best to research and consult with professionals to find the most suitable approach for you.