“Mewing” is a term that has been increasingly capturing attention in the realm of oral and facial health. The concept was introduced by Dr John Mew, a renowned British orthodontist, and revolves around a set of exercises designed to advocate for proper tongue posture. In this article we will look at what mewing is, what its benefits are, and how to mew properly.
Understanding mewing: a slang term for orthotropics
In the world of orthodontics, mewing is commonly recognized as a colloquial expression for a practice known as orthotropics. Essentially, orthotropics is a preventive strategy, which underscores the significance of guiding facial growth and development. It primarily targets the establishment of correct oral posture habits early on to secure the normal expansion of the face and jaws.
Orthotropics is a trusted technique employed for many patients undergoing or post-orthodontic treatment, as it substantially reduces the likelihood of relapse. Here, relapse refers to the reversion of the initial malocclusion, or the misalignment of teeth, once the orthodontic braces have been taken off.
The essence of mewing: encouraging good tongue posture
In a nutshell, mewing constitutes a series of exercises that nurture and promote good tongue posture. The benefits of maintaining appropriate tongue posture are well-established in the medical arena, primarily for endorsing healthier breathing patterns, correctly aligning teeth, and fostering a well-defined facial structure.
When implemented accurately and consistently, the mewing technique positions the tongue up against the roof of the mouth, thereby triggering a spectrum of health and aesthetic benefits. This might appear to be a simple and trivial practice, but the impact it carries in sculpting the face and improving oral health is profound.
Did you know there’s a simple way to put the power of mewing at your fingertips? Introducing the Mewing.app, a one-stop resource that equips you with all the techniques you need to start your mewing journey.
If you’re excited about improving your health, enhancing your facial aesthetics, and boosting your self-confidence, don’t hesitate. Search for “Mewing.app” on Google, Google Play or the App Store to embark on this transformative journey!
Health and aesthetic benefits of mewing
Mewing, though simple in concept, offers a wealth of health and aesthetic benefits. These advantages are far-reaching, influencing various aspects of an individual’s well-being.
Health Benefits
- Improved nasal breathing. By encouraging correct tongue posture, mewing can aid in establishing better breathing habits. This includes a shift from mouth breathing to nasal breathing, which is generally healthier and more beneficial for overall respiratory health.
- Reduced sleep apnoea. Mewing exercises have been associated with improvements in sleep apnea, a condition that causes interrupted breathing during sleep. By promoting a better tongue position, mewing can potentially alleviate some of the symptoms of this condition.
- Less crooked teeth. By exerting gentle pressure on the palate, the correctly positioned tongue can influence the alignment of teeth. Over time, this can lead to less crooked or misaligned teeth.
- Fixed bite. As a form of natural myofunctional therapy, mewing can contribute to the correction of certain types of malocclusion or misaligned bites.
Aesthetic benefits
- Prominent jawline. One of the most visually striking benefits of mewing is the potential for a stronger, more pronounced jawline. This occurs as the muscles and skin adapt to the new tongue posture and the improved alignment of facial structures.
- Wider and stronger jaw. With continued practice, mewing can gradually lead to a wider and stronger jaw. This is a result of the steady pressure that the tongue applies to the palate and lower jaw.
- Tight skin under the chin. Mewing can help tighten the skin under the chin, reducing the appearance of a double chin and contributing to a more youthful appearance.
- Straight teeth. As a potential benefit of long-term mewing, you may notice your teeth becoming straighter as the shape of your palate changes.
- Good posture. Mewing not only impacts the face, but it also encourages better overall posture. With the head, neck, and spine properly aligned, mewing can result in an improved stance and decreased strain on the body.
- Pronounced cheekbones and hollow cheeks. As a possible long-term benefit, mewing may lead to more pronounced cheekbones and hollow cheeks. These changes come from the alterations in facial muscles and skin due to the new tongue position.
Please note that while these benefits have been reported by many individuals practicing mewing, results can vary and should not replace advice or treatment from a healthcare professional.
As we continue to delve into the ins and outs of mewing, consider taking advantage of a tool that makes mewing even easier and more accessible. The Mewing App is designed to guide you through the process, providing valuable tips, techniques, and progress tracking to optimize your experience. With this app, you’re never alone on your mewing journey. Find the Mewing App in Google Play or the App Store, and let’s enhance those results together.
How to mew
Mewing is a practice that involves specific tongue posture and oral habits to achieve its potential benefits. Here’s a step-by-step guide how to mew:
1. Correct tongue posture
- The first step in mewing is to ensure your tongue has the correct posture. This means your entire tongue (including the back part) should be resting against the roof of your mouth. The tip of your tongue should be pressed against the area just behind your upper front teeth.
- It’s important to remember that the force should come from the back of your tongue, not the front.
2. Keeping your mouth closed
- While ensuring the correct tongue posture, your mouth should be closed with your teeth lightly touching each other or slightly apart, and your lips sealed. This encourages nasal breathing, which is healthier and more beneficial than mouth breathing.
3. Chin tuck
- Chin tuck is a good exercise to practice alongside mewing as it promotes better posture. To perform a chin tuck, simply pull your chin back towards your neck, creating a “double chin” effect. This exercise helps with aligning your neck and spine.
4. Consistency and patience
- Mewing is not a quick fix; it requires consistent practice over months or even years to see significant results. Incorporate it into your daily routine and keep at it. Remember that it is a long-term investment in your health and aesthetics.
5. Regular swallowing
- The correct swallowing technique plays a key role in mewing. The back third of your tongue should push against the roof of your mouth when you swallow, not the front. To check your swallowing technique, try swallowing while keeping your teeth slightly apart. If they move during the swallow, your tongue is likely pushing against them, indicating an incorrect swallow.
- You can also perform the ‘Cheeky Smile Swallow’ exercise as described by Dr Mike Mew: close your mouth and teeth, smile with your cheeks, then swallow without moving anything else in your face.
Remember, if you have a serious malocclusion or any other dental conditions, it’s recommended to consult a dental professional before you begin mewing. The practice should not cause discomfort or pain. If it does, you may not be doing it correctly or it might not be suitable for you.
Note: For a more visual and interactive guide, the Mewing.app is a great tool that provides detailed instructions and features to monitor your progress.
Ellen Diamond , a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
