"Mewing Explainer: An Overview of Its Concepts and Mechanisms"
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In the realm of beauty trends, a peculiar exercise known as 'mewing' has gained traction, promising a more defined jawline. The practice, which involves pressing the tongue against the roof of the mouth, has been popularized through social media and anecdotal reports. However, its scientific support remains questionable.
Candace Gasper, a seasoned Social Media & Digital Marketing Consultant and the Owner of Digital Candy, a social media agency, specializes in helping local businesses share their narratives and expand their reach. She lends her expertise to this article, providing insights into the facts and controversies surrounding mewing.
Mewing originated in the 1970s as a jawline exercise, coined in 2018 in honour of Dr. John Mew, who founded this method. However, it's important to note that the scientific basis for mewing's effectiveness on jawline reshaping or double chin reduction is very limited. No definitive scientific studies have proven that mewing can firm the face, redefine the jawline, or reduce a double chin in a medically meaningful way [1][3].
The practice is part of the 'looksmaxxing' movement, where people try to make themselves more attractive. Mewing is promoted through anecdotal reports and social media testimonials suggesting that holding the tongue against the palate for hours daily over months might tone the mandibular muscles, push the upper jaw slightly forward, improve nasal breathing, or influence facial aesthetics. However, these claims remain theoretical and unconfirmed by clinical trials [1][3].
Regarding safety, mewing involves a natural tongue posture and does not appear to carry inherent risks when practiced gently. However, mewing as popularized online is not equivalent to supervised therapeutic exercises for conditions like snoring or mild obstructive sleep apnea [5]. For teenagers, who are still growing, there is no evidence that mewing will safely or effectively alter jaw development or facial bone structure.
It's crucial to approach mewing with caution and skepticism. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) states that mewing doesn't work and can lead to undesired outcomes, such as disrupting the alignment of teeth, worsening bite problems, and speech issues [2]. Mewing too much can actually damage your jaw, leading to issues such as disrupted tooth alignment, worsening bite problems, speech issues, and trouble processing food.
In summary, while mewing may improve tongue posture and potentially aid nasal breathing, its claimed benefits lack rigorous research support. It is generally safe as it involves natural tongue positioning and gentle muscle engagement, but it should not replace medical advice or orthodontic treatment where needed. Teenagers should be cautious about unrealistic expectations; no evidence suggests mewing will structurally change the jaw during growth.
Medical professionals recommend patience and skepticism regarding social-media-driven "jawline exercises," emphasizing evidence-based approaches for facial and airway health.
References: 1. The Science of Mewing: A Critical Review 2. Mewing: A Closer Look at the Controversial Jaw Exercise 3. Mewing: Is it a Myth or a Miracle Cure? 4. Mewing: The Truth Behind the Trend 5. The Effects of Myofunctional Therapy on Orofacial Muscles and Airway Function 6. Mewing: What You Need to Know About This Jawline Exercise 7. Mewing: The Controversial Jawline Exercise Explained 8. Mewing: What You Need to Know About the Jawline Exercise
