Mewing

Mewing is a do-it-yourself technique that involves pressing the entire tongue against the roof of the mouth, sealing the lips, and lightly touching the teeth together to promote proper oral posture and purportedly reshape the jawline and facial structure.^[1] Named after the late British orthodontist John Mew, who developed it as part of his orthotropics approach to guiding facial growth through muscle function rather than appliances, mewing was popularized by his son, the former orthodontist Mike Mew, via online videos and social media starting around 2019.^[1] Proponents claim it can enhance facial aesthetics, alleviate issues like sleep apnea, temporomandibular joint disorders, and breathing difficulties, and even serve as an alternative to orthognathic surgery by influencing orofacial musculature based on the functional matrix hypothesis.^[1] Despite its viral spread on platforms like TikTok and YouTube, where it has garnered millions of views and followers, mewing lacks robust scientific evidence to support its efficacy in altering adult facial bones or resolving orthodontic problems.^[2] Professional organizations, including the American Association of Orthodontists, warn that sustained pressure from improper tongue positioning may lead to risks such as tooth misalignment, bite disturbances, temporomandibular joint pain, and speech impediments, potentially necessitating professional intervention.^[2] Orthotropics, the broader field encompassing mewing, remains controversial within dentistry, with critics arguing it deviates from evidence-based orthodontics that prioritize genetic and environmental factors in craniofacial development over posture alone.^[3]

History and Origins

Development of Orthotropics

John Mew, a British orthodontist born on September 7, 1928, and who died on June 25, 2025, at the age of 96, grew increasingly disillusioned with traditional orthodontics during the 1970s.^[4]^[5] He viewed conventional treatments, such as braces and tooth extractions, as addressing only the symptoms of malocclusion rather than its root causes, which he attributed to environmental and postural factors rather than genetics alone.^[4] This critique led Mew to develop an alternative framework focused on guiding natural facial growth through posture correction. Central to Mew's philosophy was the "Tropic Premise," formulated in 1967 and first published in 1981.^[6]^[7] The theory posits that malocclusion arises primarily as a postural deformity influenced by modern lifestyles, including soft diets and poor oral habits, which fail to stimulate forward expansion of the maxilla and mandible.^[7] It emphasizes that optimal facial development occurs when the tongue rests fully against the palate, the lips remain sealed, and the teeth are in or near contact, thereby directing tropic forces for balanced, forward jaw growth.^[7] Mew argued this mechanism overlays genetic predispositions, allowing environmental factors to play a decisive role in skeletal harmony.^[8] In the 1980s, Mew formalized orthotropics as a distinct orthodontic discipline, positioning it as a non-invasive alternative to traditional braces by prioritizing early intervention to harness a child's natural growth potential.^[4] A key innovation was the Biobloc appliance, a removable device he designed to posture the mandible forward while preserving palatal space for tongue function, thereby encouraging vertical and horizontal jaw development in growing children.^[4] This approach aimed to prevent the need for extractions or surgery by addressing postural imbalances during developmental years. Mew's son, Mike Mew, who holds BDS and MSc degrees in orthodontics, was instrumental in perpetuating and broadening his father's legacy. As former lead clinician and lecturer, Mike Mew expanded orthotropics' reach through the London School of Facial Orthotropics, established by John Mew in 1983 to train practitioners in growth guidance techniques.^[9]^[10] In November 2024, Mike Mew was struck off the UK dental register by the General Dental Council for professional misconduct related to patient treatment.^[11] Under his continued leadership as a lecturer, the school emphasizes interdisciplinary education on facial development and posture-based interventions. Mewing later emerged as a simplified, appliance-free extension of these orthotropic principles.

Emergence of Mewing as a Technique

The term "mewing" derives from the surname of British orthodontists John Mew and his son Mike Mew, who pioneered the technique as part of orthotropics, a field focused on guiding natural facial growth through posture. Formalized in the 1970s, mewing emerged as a non-invasive, do-it-yourself method centered on maintaining correct tongue posture against the palate to promote jaw development without relying on orthodontic appliances, building on John Mew's Tropic Premise theory introduced during that decade.^[12] In the 2010s, Mike Mew amplified the technique's visibility through educational YouTube content and his clinical work at the Orthodontic Health Centre in London, where he emphasized its accessibility for patients seeking alternatives to traditional braces. His presentations, including demonstrations at the 2019 Ancestral Health Symposium, showcased practical applications of mewing to encourage forward facial growth and proper oral habits.^[13]^[14] Initial grassroots adoption took hold in niche online forums during the mid-2010s, with dedicated communities like Reddit's r/orthotropics forming in 2014 to discuss personal progress and refinements to the practice. This laid the groundwork for broader dissemination, culminating in a viral surge on TikTok starting in early 2019, where instructional videos rapidly accumulated millions of views by 2020, transforming mewing into a global internet phenomenon.^[15]^[16] John Mew's death on June 25, 2025, at age 96, prompted widespread tributes within the orthotropics community, underscoring his foundational role, yet the technique's momentum has endured under Mike Mew's continued leadership and sustained online engagement.^[5]^[17]

The Technique

Core Principles of Tongue Posture

Mewing is defined as the practice of maintaining the tongue in a specific resting posture against the roof of the mouth to influence facial and dental development, originating from the orthotropic principles developed by British orthodontist John Mew in the 1970s.^[18]^[1]^[12] This posture involves flattening the entire tongue against the palate, with particular emphasis on the posterior third pressing upward to exert gentle, continuous pressure on the maxilla, the upper jawbone.^[18] Anatomically, the tongue serves as a natural structural expander for the upper jaw, providing ongoing support that counters the inward forces from the cheeks and lips while promoting balanced craniofacial growth.^[19] Proper implementation requires a sealed lip posture, where the lips remain lightly closed without strain, teeth slightly apart or in light contact, and exclusive nasal breathing to maintain airway patency and prevent mouth breathing habits that disrupt this alignment.^[18] Additionally, correct swallowed posture is integral, characterized by a gentle lifting of the tongue against the palate during swallowing without forward thrusting or tongue protrusion, ensuring the forces remain directed upward and forward rather than laterally or downward.^[1] Within the theoretical framework of orthotropics, improper tongue posture—such as resting on the floor of the mouth—contributes to adverse environmental influences on skeletal development, potentially leading to retrognathia, or a receded jaw position, by failing to provide adequate forward propulsion to the maxilla and mandible.^[19] Correcting this posture is posited to encourage forward maxillary growth, particularly effective during childhood and adolescence when facial bones are still malleable, thereby fostering more harmonious jaw alignment and reducing the vertical elongation associated with poor habits.^[1] Mewing differs from swallowing exercises or orofacial myofunctional therapy, which involve targeted, active muscle retraining sessions; instead, it prioritizes habitual, passive maintenance of the tongue posture throughout daily activities to achieve sustained biomechanical effects.^[18]

Step-by-Step Practice Guide

To begin practicing mewing, first establish nasal breathing by ensuring airflow through the nose rather than the mouth, which can be achieved by gently clearing nasal passages if congested and consciously redirecting breath during daily activities. Relax the jaw by allowing it to hang loosely without clenching, positioning the lower jaw slightly behind the upper jaw to avoid tension in the temporomandibular joint.^[20]^[21] The basic technique involves four key steps to achieve proper tongue posture, a core element of orthotropics. First, close the mouth with the lips gently sealed together, creating a natural lip seal without pursing or straining. Second, position the teeth slightly apart, with the molars in light contact or separated by no more than 4 mm to prevent grinding or overpressure. Third, flatten the entire tongue against the roof of the mouth, pressing the tip just behind the upper front teeth (at the incisive papilla) and extending the sides and back to cover the palate fully—use the "ng" sound from words like "sing" to locate this position initially. Fourth, maintain this posture continuously throughout the day and night, aiming for at least 8 hours daily as a minimum for consistency, even during sleep by training the habit through daytime practice.^[18]^[20]^[21]^[22] For progressions, beginners should start with short sessions of 10-20 seconds several times a day, gradually increasing to 30-second increments until holding the posture becomes habitual for extended periods. Incorporate reminders such as phone apps designed for mewing tracking or setting periodic alerts to check tongue position. Monitor subtle changes by taking consistent monthly photographs of the face from side and front views, noting any gradual improvements in jaw alignment over several months, though full adaptation may require ongoing commitment.^[20]^[23]^[21] Common initial challenges include tongue muscle fatigue from the unfamiliar effort of maintaining full contact with the palate, which typically eases after consistent practice. Dry mouth may occur due to the shift to nasal breathing, resolvable by staying hydrated and persisting through the adjustment. An adaptation period of 2-4 weeks is normal, during which discomfort in the jaw or cheeks may arise before the posture feels natural.^[20]^[21]

Claimed Benefits

Aesthetic Improvements

Proponents of mewing claim that consistent proper tongue posture promotes maxillary expansion, which sharpens the jawline by encouraging forward mandibular positioning and reducing the appearance of a double chin. This process is said to occur through sustained pressure from the tongue against the palate, gradually reshaping the lower face for a more defined contour.^[24]^[25] Mewing is also attributed with enhancing facial symmetry, including greater prominence of the cheekbones and improved alignment between the nose and chin, achieved via forward maxillary growth that balances overall facial proportions. Advocates describe this as creating a more harmonious profile, where the maxilla's advancement supports upright incisor positioning and elevates soft tissue structures.^[24]^[26] These aesthetic effects are claimed to be more pronounced in adolescents under 18, when ongoing bone remodeling allows for significant structural adaptation to tongue posture changes. In adults, results are described as subtler and potentially requiring 1-3 years of consistent practice to manifest, due to reduced skeletal plasticity post-puberty.^[25] Anecdotal evidence from proponents includes before-and-after photos shared by influencers, often depicting a transition to an enhanced V-shaped face with a tapered jaw and reduced jowls, though such visuals are subjective and vary by individual adherence.^[25]

Functional Health Claims

Advocates of mewing, rooted in orthotropics developed by John Mew and his son Mike Mew, claim that maintaining proper tongue posture promotes nasal breathing over mouth breathing, which can alleviate issues associated with chronic mouth breathing such as dry mouth and reduced oxygen intake during daily activities.^[17] This shift is said to expand the airway naturally through guided craniofacial development, potentially reducing snoring and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea by improving nocturnal breathing patterns and encouraging mouth-closed sleeping.^[27] For instance, proponents assert that consistent practice fosters a larger pharyngeal airway, mitigating interruptions in sleep that stem from inadequate tongue positioning against the palate.^[17] In terms of dental health, mewing is promoted as a method to achieve straighter teeth and alleviate crowding without the need for braces or extractions, by leveraging tongue pressure to guide jaw expansion and natural maxillary growth.^[28] Orthotropics literature emphasizes that early adoption of correct oral posture can prevent malocclusion and support balanced dental alignment, allowing the palate to widen sufficiently to accommodate teeth in their ideal positions.^[29] This approach is positioned as a functional alternative to traditional orthodontics, focusing on muscle balance and environmental factors to influence jaw development rather than mechanical interventions. Regarding overall posture, mewing advocates link sustained tongue and jaw positioning to enhanced head and neck alignment, which may reduce strain on supporting muscles and alleviate associated pains such as tension headaches.^[27] By correcting forward head posture through integrated oral habits, the technique is claimed to promote a more balanced craniofacial structure, potentially easing chronic discomfort from poor alignment.^[17]

Scientific Evaluation

Supporting Evidence and Studies

Proponents of mewing often reference early orthotropics research by John Mew, who in the 1970s and 1980s reported on patient cases involving Biobloc appliances designed to encourage proper tongue posture and jaw positioning in children. These appliances aimed to stimulate forward maxillary growth while promoting closed-mouth posture. In one documented case from Mew's clinical observations, a 13-year-old boy with an impacted canine underwent staged Biobloc treatment over seven months, resulting in the canine's eruption and a 15 mm forward advancement of the facial skeleton within two years, attributed to guided postural changes.^[30] A cephalometric study evaluating the Biobloc technique in 35 children with Class II Division 1 malocclusions further supported these observations, comparing pre- and post-treatment radiographs to matched controls. The treatment yielded statistically significant reductions in overjet (p<0.001), overbite (p<0.001), and ANB angle (p<0.001), alongside an increase in SNB angle (p<0.001), indicating enhanced mandibular growth and skeletal correction through combined appliance use and posture guidance. These findings, published in The Angle Orthodontist in 2001, represent one of the few quantitative assessments of orthotropic interventions evaluating a technique developed during that era.^[31] Mike Mew continued this lineage in the 2010s with small-scale clinical observations on facial growth guidance, emphasizing non-extraction approaches and environmental influences on craniofacial development. In a 2009 publication in the British Dental Journal, he proposed that orthotropics could alter growth trajectories by addressing soft tissue postures, drawing from longitudinal patient data in his practice to illustrate potential divergences from traditional orthodontic outcomes.^[32] Related evidence from orofacial myofunctional therapy, which shares principles with mewing's focus on tongue positioning, includes studies showing benefits for minor functional improvements. A narrative review on orofacial myofunctional therapy for tongue thrust habits detailed how targeted tongue exercises can correct aberrant patterns, leading to enhanced orofacial muscle coordination and subtle alignments in swallowing and occlusion among participants.^[33]

Lack of Empirical Validation

As of 2025, there are no randomized controlled trials or peer-reviewed studies directly testing the efficacy of mewing for jaw reshaping in either adults or children.^[2]^[34] The absence of such rigorous clinical investigations leaves proponents' claims unsupported by empirical data, with experts noting that anecdotal reports and self-promoted testimonials do not constitute scientific validation.^[35] As of 2025, professional organizations like the American Association of Orthodontists continue to report no new supporting evidence for mewing's efficacy.^[2] Facial structure is primarily determined by genetics, which influence craniofacial development and limit the potential for non-surgical interventions like mewing to induce significant changes.^[36] Bone growth in the jaws largely ceases after puberty when growth plates fuse, rendering adult skeletal modifications improbable through tongue posture alone.^[37] The American Association of Orthodontists emphasizes that factors such as genetics and completed bone maturation make mewing unlikely to reshape the jaw or correct misalignments in adults.^[2] Research on orthotropics, the broader framework underlying mewing, suffers from methodological shortcomings, including reliance on subjective before-and-after photographs, small sample sizes, absence of blinding, and lack of long-term follow-up.^[38] Prior to a 2023 retrospective study of 102 patients, which found no clinically meaningful skeletal changes and primarily dental proclination effects, orthotropics investigations lacked sufficient statistical power and prospective design.^[39] Professional consensus dismisses orthotropics and mewing as unproven, with the British Orthodontic Society and expert witnesses affirming in 2024 that these approaches lack scientific evidence and are not recognized as valid specialties.^[35] Similarly, the American Association of Orthodontists in 2025 reiterated the absence of supporting research, viewing mewing as an unverified trend rather than a viable orthodontic method.^[2] Leading dental authorities, including the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, describe orthotropics claims as lacking any basis in rigorously tested science.^[40]

Criticisms and Risks

Potential Adverse Effects

Improper or prolonged practice of mewing can exert excessive pressure on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), potentially leading to disorders characterized by jaw pain, clicking sounds, limited movement, and misalignment.^[41] This strain arises from forced tongue posture that stresses the jaw muscles and joint, exacerbating tension in individuals who apply the technique aggressively.^[42] Orthodontic professionals have noted that such practices may contribute to TMJ dysfunction, requiring medical intervention in severe cases.^[43] Mewing also poses risks to dental health, including tooth shifting, misalignment, and uneven wear due to chronic pressure against the teeth and palate.^[2] Clenching or improper contact between teeth and tongue can loosen dental structures or worsen bite issues, potentially necessitating orthodontic correction.^[41] Speech impediments, such as lisps, may develop if the technique alters oral posture unnaturally.^[42] Additional effects include headaches and neck strain from compensatory muscle tension during over-correction of posture.^[44] These symptoms often stem from technique errors that overload surrounding muscles.^[2] Adults over 25 face heightened risks, as their jawbones are fully developed, making forced posture more likely to cause strain without structural adaptation.^[42] Those with pre-existing conditions, such as bruxism or TMJ disorders, may experience worsened symptoms, including increased grinding or pain, since mewing does not address underlying muscle hyperactivity.^[45]

Professional and Ethical Concerns

Orthotropics, the foundational theory behind mewing, has faced significant criticism from medical professionals who classify it as pseudoscience due to its unverified claims and absence of rigorous scientific backing. In a 2025 article, The Guardian described orthotropics as "modern-day quackery," emphasizing that the assertions made by its proponents, including Dr. Mike Mew, lack any foundation in tested scientific evidence.^[40] This perspective aligns with broader concerns in the dental community about the promotion of unproven techniques that mislead the public on facial and orthodontic health. Professional organizations have issued strong rebukes against mewing and related practices. Dr. Mike Mew was expelled from the British Orthodontic Society in 2020 for advocating methods deemed unproven and potentially harmful to patients.^[46] Similarly, in the United States, the American Association of Orthodontists warned in 2024 against the unregulated practice of mewing, noting its lack of evidence-based support and risks of encouraging self-diagnosis over professional evaluation.^[47] These actions reflect a consensus among orthodontists that mewing deviates from established standards of care. Ethically, the dissemination of mewing raises alarms about prioritizing do-it-yourself interventions over evidence-based professional treatment, which may delay essential orthodontic procedures such as braces or surgery for malocclusions. Unqualified influencers on social media exacerbate this by propagating unsubstantiated success stories, fostering misinformation that undermines public trust in regulated healthcare.^[2] Regulatory scrutiny has intensified, particularly in the UK, where the General Dental Council conducted a multi-year investigation culminating in 2024 with the erasure of Dr. Mike Mew from the dental register for providing inappropriate, misleading treatments associated with orthotropics, including false advertising of benefits.^[48] Such measures aim to protect patients from exploitative claims in the absence of oversight in both the UK and US markets.

Cultural Impact

Mewing gained significant traction on TikTok starting around 2019, evolving from niche discussions into a viral phenomenon through user-generated challenges, tutorials, and transformation videos. The hashtag #mewing amassed over 1.9 billion views by late 2023, fueled by short-form content demonstrating purported jawline improvements and encouraging viewers to adopt the practice for aesthetic enhancement.^[49] Creators like those focusing on orthotropics shared accessible guides, amplifying the trend among younger audiences seeking non-invasive beauty hacks. On YouTube, the technique's visibility surged via channels dedicated to orthotropics, particularly Mike Mew's "Mewing By Mike Mew," which reached approximately 600,000 subscribers by 2025 and featured educational videos on tongue posture and facial development.^[50] Complementing this, Reddit's r/Mewing subreddit grew to over 66,000 members by mid-2025, serving as a community hub where users posted progress photos, sought advice, and debated results, further embedding mewing in online fitness and self-improvement discourse.^[51] Key influencers and orthotropics advocates propelled adoption, with endorsements from fitness personalities and indirect celebrity associations driving interest among Gen Z. For instance, in 2022, reports highlighted model Bella Hadid's use of mewing for jawline definition, inspiring viral speculation and tutorials.^[52] By 2024, figures like Harry Styles, Meghan Markle, and Tom Cruise were linked to the practice through media coverage, associating it with high-profile aesthetics and broadening its appeal beyond niche circles.^[53] The trend's global spread extended to non-English-speaking communities by 2024, with adaptations in Asian markets tying mewing to beauty standards like defined facial contours. In regions influenced by K-beauty, online discussions integrated the technique with skincare routines, as noted in regional publications covering its rise in Asia.^[54] This cross-cultural adoption underscored mewing's mechanics of virality, leveraging platform algorithms and influencer networks to transcend its origins in orthotropics.

Influence on Public Perception

Mewing has become closely associated with the "looksmaxxing" subculture, where practitioners promote non-surgical techniques to achieve a chiseled jawline, positioning it as an accessible alternative to invasive procedures like orthognathic surgery. This trend has contributed to shifting beauty standards in the 2020s, particularly among men, by emphasizing sharp facial contours and forward jaw positioning as markers of attractiveness and masculinity. Within looksmaxxing communities, mewing is touted as a DIY method to enhance "sexual market value" through consistent tongue posture, influencing male grooming practices such as the increased use of jaw-training devices and fillers for defined features.^[55]^[56] The practice blurs the boundaries between informal wellness routines and professional medical interventions, often disseminating unverified claims about facial remodeling that undermine traditional orthodontic approaches. Online dental misinformation has heightened skepticism among Gen Z and millennials toward orthodontic treatments, fostering a perception that mewing offers a simpler, cost-free path to jaw alignment, potentially deterring individuals from evidence-based consultations.^[43] Mewing primarily appeals to young males aged 18-24, who seek non-invasive solutions to perceived facial inadequacies amid rising pressures for aesthetic perfection. This demographic, often engaged in online self-improvement forums, views mewing as a low-risk entry into facial enhancement, sparking debates on gender-specific ideals where male jawlines symbolize strength while female aesthetics favor softer contours. Such discussions highlight broader tensions in facial beauty norms, with mewing reinforcing a male-centric focus on angular features over holistic health.^[57]^[58]^[55] By 2025, mewing has integrated into digital wellness ecosystems, appearing in dedicated apps that guide users through posture exercises and progress tracking, as well as self-published books outlining jawline optimization routines. Despite warnings from bodies like the American Association of Orthodontists about its lack of empirical support and potential risks, this incorporation has cultivated a "posture-first" cultural mindset, prioritizing oral habits as foundational to overall appearance and well-being. Social media has served as the primary catalyst for this mainstream adoption.^[59]^[60]^[2]