Deep Dive into the TikTok Trend "Mewing

Introducing "mewing," the trend that promises to transform your facial structure and give you a jawline so sharp it could cut glass. But what exactly is mewing, and does it live up to all the hype?

In this blog post, we'll explore everything there is to know about this viral TikTok trend, from its origins to the science behind it.

Introduction to the TikTok Trend

Mewing refers to a technique used to improve facial structure and create a more defined jawline by positioning the tongue against the roof of the mouth. This trend originated from John Mew and his son, Dr. Mike Mew, who advocated for this method as an alternative to traditional orthodontic treatments.

The mewing trend took off on TikTok when users began sharing before-and-after videos claiming significant changes in their facial structure after consistently practicing mewing. These videos quickly went viral, garnering millions of views and sparking widespread interest in this unconventional method.

What makes this trend even more intriguing is its accessibility – unlike expensive cosmetic procedures or orthodontic work, mewing requires only consistency and dedication to see potential results.

However, as with any viral trend on social media, there are always skeptics and critics. Some argue that there is no scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of mewing, while others claim it can even cause harm if not done correctly.

What is Mewing and How Does it Work?

Mewing has been making waves on social media, especially on TikTok, with claims of transforming one's facial structure and improving overall health. But what exactly is mewing and how does it work?

The technique involves resting your tongue against the roof of your mouth with light pressure while keeping your lips sealed and teeth lightly touching. This helps to engage the muscles in your face and promote proper growth and development.

One of the key benefits of mewing is its ability to improve facial symmetry. By strengthening the muscles on both sides of the face through consistent tongue placement, it can help balance out any asymmetry or crookedness in facial features.

Another claimed benefit of mewing is its potential to enhance jawline definition. Engaging the masseter muscles (the main muscle responsible for chewing) through proper tongue posture, can result in a more defined jawline over time.

A Deeper Look into Mewing

John Mew claimed that narrow jaws resulting in teeth crowding are a lifestyle issue, rather than a genetic one. Mewing, or the proper placement of the tongue as a way to widen the upper palette results in enough room for all 32 teeth.

According to Dr. Mike Mew, improper oral posture – such as resting the tongue on the bottom of the mouth or breathing through the mouth – can result in underdeveloped jaws, narrow dental arches, and other dental problems.

Combined, the Mew's believed that our modern lifestyle has led to a decrease in tongue posture due to habits such as mouth breathing, improper swallowing techniques, and a lack of chewing hard foods. This results in weak or underdeveloped muscles in the face and jaw area.

A key aspect of mewing is maintaining consistent contact between the entire length of your tongue and the roof of your mouth. This helps stimulate bone remodeling in both jaws, promoting their forward growth while also preventing downward growth. As a result, this can lead to an increase in vertical facial height – creating a more chiseled and defined jawline.

More research is needed to fully understand the effects of mewing on facial structure and appearance. It is important to note that mewing should not be seen as a replacement for orthodontic treatment if you have severe dental issues. Consult with a licensed orthodontist for personalized advice on how to improve your oral posture and achieve optimal oral health.

Potential Benefits of Mewing

While there is minimal scientific evidence to support these claims, there are several potential benefits of mewing for facial aesthetics.

1. Improved jawline definition: One of the most commonly touted benefits of mewing is its impact on the jawline. The correct tongue posture involves resting the entire tongue against the roof of the mouth and pushing it against the palate with gentle pressure. This constant tongue pressure can help strengthen and tone the muscles in your face and neck, leading to a more defined jawline over time.

2. Enhanced cheekbone structure: Another popular benefit of mewing is its potential to improve cheekbone structure. By maintaining proper tongue posture, you are also engaging the muscles in your cheeks and helping them become more prominent. This can create a more angular or chiseled appearance on your face, which is often associated with attractiveness.

3. Increased facial symmetry: Facial symmetry is an important factor in determining attractiveness according to many studies. Mewing involves keeping your tongue evenly placed on both sides of your palate, which can help balance out any imbalances or asymmetries in your face over time. As a result, some people claim that consistent mewing can lead to improved facial symmetry and a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

4. Improved breathing: Mewing also involves keeping your mouth closed and breathing through your nose. This can help improve the alignment of your teeth and jaw, which may lead to better airflow and easier breathing. In turn, this may help reduce snoring and other breathing problems.

Common Misconceptions About Mewing

Mewing has gained widespread attention on social media, particularly on TikTok, with many claiming that it can improve facial structure and appearance. However, with any viral trend, there are bound to be misconceptions and misinformation.

Misconception #1: Mewing is a quick fix for facial asymmetry

One of the most common misconceptions about mewing is that it can quickly correct facial asymmetry. While proper tongue posture and mouth breathing can help improve facial symmetry over time, it is not a quick fix. Facial asymmetry is often caused by underlying skeletal or muscular issues that cannot be corrected solely through mewing.

Misconception #2: It is a fix for sleep apnea

Another misconception about mewing is that it can fix sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a condition where the airway becomes obstructed when asleep. Mewing cannot help with all types of sleep apnea but could help fix the type caused by the tongue blocking the airway by falling to the back of the throat.

Misconception #3: Mewing can change your bone structure

Many people believe that practicing proper tongue posture can physically change your bone structure, resulting in a more defined jawline or higher cheekbones. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. Facial structure is primarily determined by genetics and bone structure, which cannot be altered through tongue posture alone.

Final Thoughts on the Mewing Trend

Mewing is not a new concept, however, its recent explosion on TikTok has brought it into mainstream consciousness and sparked numerous debates among experts.

While many TikTok users swear by mewing and claim to have seen significant changes in their facial structure, there is currently limited scientific evidence to support these claims.

Additionally, many of these videos can be deceiving because of shadows, lighting, and editing. The angle at which TikTokers position their heads can also make the jaw look more defined.

If you're interested in trying mewing, it's always best to consult with a dental or medical professional first. They can provide personalized advice and guidance on proper posture and whether mewing is suitable for your situation.

In the end, the mewing trend may come and go, but it's essential to prioritize overall health and well-being over chasing after specific beauty standards. Remember, everyone is unique and beautiful in their own way, regardless of their jawline or facial structure.