Why is Mewing Bad for Adults (10 Risks) | Does It Actually Work?

18 Aug Why is Mewing Bad for Adults (10 Risks) | Does It Actually Work?

Want a defined jaw-line, start mewing!

These kinds of have recently been in trend on Reddit where people have been hyping up the technique with before/after pics.

“Mewing”—in simple words—is a facial exercise that, according to anecdotal evidence, helps with numerous orthodontic and face structure issues.

Though it’s not commonly known, mewing gained popularity because of the claims to improve jawline aesthetics.

Notably, it’s generally supported by people with crooked teeth or those who aren’t happy with their facial structure.

Even though people promote this technique, it is unproven. Hence, one must practice it with caution.

Ahead we dig into the matter to find out is mewing bad for you or does it actually work to deliver a significant transformation.

What is Mewing?

Mewing or also called orthotropic is the practice of flattening the tongue against the roof of the mouth.

The technique is practiced to achieve the goal of a defined jawline, straighten crooked teeth, and treat sleep apnea and breathing issues.

This do-it-yourself practice is all about shifting the natural resting position of the tongue from the bottom to the roof of the mouth.

It was invented by the orthodontist duo Dr. John Mew and his son Dr. Michael Mew in the 1970s.

They have advocated the technique for decades and as per them, the mewing method can help reshape the face and fix orthodontic issues.

According to the proponents who believe mewing is real and safe, consistently performing the mewing posture can result in incredible transformation.

Some of the mewing benefits, according to practitioners, include:

1. Corrects speech impediments
2. Alleviate jaw pain
3. Help with tongue posture issues
4. Gives a stronger and more attractive jawline
5. Enhances midfacial area
6. Improves swallowing difficulty
7. Treats sleep apnea
8. Handles Sinusitis issues
9. Prevents jaw joint issues

Now, the mewing exercises get a lot of airplay from YouTube, Instagram, and other social media platforms. However, critics have a lot of say about the effectiveness of mewing.

Does Mewing Work for Adults?

That’s a million-dollar question right there!

Does Mewing actually work has got some extraordinary searches with many positive testimonials online.

The supporters of mewing results believe, purposely changing the position of the jaw can result in improving face shape.

In fact, is mewing bad for you will not even be a query if you consider some of the mewings before and after transformation results!

Let’s see what the Reddit users have to say about the effectiveness of mewing.

Does Mewing Work for Adults Reddit?

After going through numerous Reddit users’ experiences, here’s what we have extracted.

Most of the practitioners were in their mid-20s or late 30s. Interestingly, a large percentage of mewing results were positive.

A 37 years old female, mewing for almost 1 year, achieved attractive hollow cheeks and a stronger jawline.

Another 28-year-old female experienced some incredible results on her part. Practicing mewing postures helped her treat chronic nasal and ear infections. She also has defined cheekbones and even got rid of giant under-eye circles.

Further, other users, after practicing for 5 months, have experienced a plethora of mewing benefits. She noticed the following changes.

• Clearer nose and better breathing
• Hooded eyes
• Better posture
• Teeth alignment
• Significant changes in facial structure

According to the Reddit user’s reports, does mewing work after 20 get a green flag?

However, some users also mentioned that the results were not dramatic.

Users also emphasized; results also depend on how well you perform the mewing.

Overall social media and other platforms believe mewing is real. Going through these testimonials, it’s impossible to believe mewing is bad for you.

But the scientific truth is quite awakening!

Most of the mewing exercise proponents are uncertified practitioners, orthodontists, or jaw surgeons.

FYI, any facial restructuring even for aesthetic reasons, jaw or tooth alignment requires surgery or braces.

For complete and safe treatment, it is nearly impossible to replace conventional treatments with mere tongue exercises.

Adding to it, the lack of credible scientific research adds to the confusion that is mewing safe and real.

Is There Any Scientific Evidence?

There are little to no positive results that support if mewing actually works.

No solid proof suggests that tongue positioning can be an effective treatment in teeth-to-jaw development and oral and respiratory health.

However, there are recommendations for some exercises and lifestyle changes to treat sleep apnea and get a defined jawline.

Additionally, people with severe issues like sleep apnea and breathing problems should not try mewing without consulting their doctor.

So…

Is Mewing Bad for You? – 10 Risks

Mewing is safe and does appear harmless at first. Nonetheless, there are certain risks associated with continuously practicing the mewing posture:

1. TMJ pain
2. Jaw issues
3. Gapping between teeth
4. Tongue enlargement
5. Weak submental area
6. Headache
7. Soreness
8. Psychological stress
9. Swallowing problems
10. Dry mouth

Each of these issues is discussed in more detail right below.

#1. TMJ Issue

Mewing persistently makes you push your tongue (which is connected to the lower jaw) move upwards and touch the roof of the mouth.

By doing this you’re placing the TMJ in an isometric position. Mewing a lot may make you develop TMJ issues.

Also, according to Michel Mew himself, if you already have TMJ issues, mewing may escalate your already existing problem.

#2. Jaw Pain

Excessive mewing along with pre-existing temporomandibular joint problems can result in jaw pain.

Also, while mewing, sometimes people put extra pressure on the teeth which also results in pain in the jaw area.

#3. Increased Gaps between Teeth

It is undoubtedly possible if you are unaware of how to do mewing properly.

In fact, this particular mewing risk is even shared by one of the Reddit users who developed major gaps within her tooth.

#4. Tongue Enlargement

Now before you tell me to mind my tongue, here’s a practical example. Our tongue is a strong muscle and can do some powerful movements.

Now think of other muscles of your body that you work on continuously. Suppose you do shoulder exercises; as a result, your biceps grow.

Just like that when you do mewing exercises, there is a possibility of tongue enlargement.

#5. Weaker Submental Area

Mewing requires you to make a strong tongue posture. However, the wrong tongue position while mewing can make the facial space between the neck and head weak.

#6. Headache

It is among one the common risks of mewing. People often out of excitement start mewing aggressively from the mewing.

The sudden pressure on the roof of the mouth, and the change in tongue posture for longer periods create tension and leads to headache.

Therefore, it is recommended to start with mewing.

#7. Soreness

Soreness is common when you first start mewing. Just like how you get muscle soreness when start working out.

Nonetheless, it is normal and harmless.

#8. Psychological Distress

Mewing is generally adopted by two types of people: first, those who want to improve teeth alignment, and second, those who want a defined jawline.

Psychological distress is bound to happen if you’re expecting immediate results from such a natural process.

People who are obsessed with “perfect facial structure” might experience psychological distress.

#9. Swallowing Problems

Though mewing is claimed to treat swallowing problems, it’s really hard to believe that it can give rise to the same problem.

This is mainly the result of inappropriate mewing postures. It can increase the space between the mandible and the maxilla and lead to swallowing issues.

#10. Dry Mouth

If you’re aggressively following the process, you may develop a dry mouth if you’re keeping your mouth closed for a longer duration.

If you’re doing mewing for fun, or just trying to embrace the trend, you might end up witnessing the damaging effects.

The overall verdict of is mewing bad for you is – no it’s not. The practical results of what the Reddit users have shared, and after looking at mewing before and after pics, it’d be wrong to entirely ignore the mewing benefits.

However, considering the lack of evidence and the risks involved, you need to practice it quite carefully.

What to Consider Before You Start Mewing? – 5 Tips

Mewing is all about making improvements in your jaw and teeth alignment by proper positioning of your tongue.

People may or may not get desired results and this primarily depends on a lot of factors.

Considering every pro and con we have come across, here are some points to keep in mind before you start mewing.

#1. You Must Know How to Mew the Right Way

First thing first, before even attempting to mew, better go through online tutorials, and video demonstrations, and learn how to mew perfectly.

You can also ask an orthodontist to show you how to do it the right way. If you are an introvert like me, here’s a step-by-step guide for you:

1. Relax, take a deep breath, and close your lips.
2. Now when your teeth are in contact and lips sealed, lift your tongue and press it against the roof of the mouth.
3. Breathe through your nose to make sure you don’t block the airway.
4. Make sure your tongue is not touching the front teeth or pushing against it.
5. Repeat these steps regularly and maintain them whenever it is possible for you.

Follow these steps and you can avoid certain risks.

#2. Don’t Grind Your Teeth

When you are practicing mewing, there can be slight interactions between your teeth. However, avoid grinding your teeth aggressively.

Doing so can worsen the condition of your face structure and also damage your teeth.

#3. Avoid Poor Body Posture

Maintaining the right posture while performing mewing might not seem relatable at first. Notably, a good posture starts from your feet and ends on your head.

If you have hunched shoulders, your face might point downwards affecting the perception of eye shape.

It can also affect how your tongue positions on the rooftop. Quite a lot of people make the mistake of keeping their tongue low while mewing, which is not the right position and may lead to issues of sleep apnea and dental problems.

#4. Don’t Think of It As an Exercise

Mewing is not an exercise, training, or workout technique. It is how a normal human is supposed to breathe and rest their tongue.

Accept it as a way of life to avoid psychological distress and extract results sooner.

#5. Mewing Results are Not Permanent

Knowingly, mewing results will vanish if you stop practicing them. Just like how you start losing muscle gains if stop working out.

Also, mewing is a time taking process. So, if you give up too soon, be ready to go through reverse results.

If you’re committing to mewing practice, educate yourself properly about the ins and outs of the risk and benefits.

To Mew or Not to Mew?

Mewing is not known by general people widely. However, it has gained a lot of attention from online media users.

In the era where everyone wants to look flawless with perfect geometrical features like Bella Hadid and Tom Cruise, just the thought of getting an incredible jawline painlessly is exciting.

Mewing practitioners claim to experience positive effects, but there’s no scientific research to back the same. In fact, some of the risks involved have led to the perception that mewing can be bad for you.

Additionally, mewing transformation pictures available online can be misleading. So, don’t go by the so-called evidence.

If you have come to believe that mewing actually works, you must be aware of the right way to do mewing. Also, keep in mind certain key points to avoid the risks associated.

Moving on, let’s conclude this blog with some of the most frequently asked questions about mewing.

FAQs

Considering mewing is yet to be discovered by a wide population, here are the answers to certain FAQs about mewing.

#1. Can mewing change your face shape?

To an extent, yes. It affects your jawline and posture and thus makes changes in your facial appearance. Although it doesn’t entirely change the face shape, mewing is effective in improving misalignment. However, there’s uncertainty about permanent changes within the healthcare community.

#2. How do I know if I’m mewing correctly?

Here is a list of certain things to notice to find out if you are mewing correctly.

• You can breathe properly while mewing
• If you’re finding it hard to mew properly, try the “sing technique”. Say the word sing and keep the tongue in the same place where you draw out the “NG” sound.
• If your chin automatically pulls up or your jawline is sharper, you are doing the mewing properly.

These 3 points are enough to point out if you are correctly performing the mewing exercise.

#3. What do orthodontists think about mewing?

Most orthodontists refuse to believe that mewing is effective and can deliver promising results for the misalignment of teeth and jaw.

#4. Does mewing have long-term effects?

No, mewing has no long-term effects. Its results start to dimmish soon after you stop practicing the process.

#5. Will mewing straighten teeth?

There is no scientific evidence for that. Though there are certainly positive results online, it is also true that it might also widen the tooth gaps.

There is no proven effect of mewing, so it is hard to decide whether it is good or bad for you.

Nonetheless, if you believe in online trends and results, you might be eager to try it and it might be disheartening to find out that it may have unpleasant effects in the long run.

More so, even when you get the desired results, there’s no certainty as to how long the results will last and if there may be more complications like TMJ pain and loose teeth. All these factors might make trying to mew unreasonable in the first place for many people.

As far as evidence goes, it is almost always better to see a qualified professional before you try anything new to correct the misalignment of the jaw or teeth.