Mewing: The New Jawline Trend – Science or Scam?

What Is the Mewing Jawline Technique?

The mewing jawline technique is a facial restructuring practice that involves proper tongue posture to potentially improve the alignment and definition of the jawline. Developed by Dr. John Mew and Dr. Mike Mew, this method, also known as orthotropics, has gained widespread popularity online. Advocates claim that by placing your tongue against the roof of your mouth consistently, you can gradually alter your facial structure.

While the idea may sound unconventional, it taps into a growing interest in non-invasive, natural aesthetic improvements. With thousands of tutorials, testimonials, and transformation videos flooding TikTok and YouTube, mewing is no longer an obscure technique—it's a global trend.

How to Do Mewing Properly

If you're curious about how to do mewing properly, it starts with understanding tongue placement. The correct posture involves keeping the entire tongue (not just the tip) pressed firmly against the roof of your mouth, just behind the front teeth, without touching them. Your lips should stay closed, and your teeth should gently touch.

Breathing should be done through your nose, as nasal breathing encourages correct tongue posture. Practicing this consistently over weeks or months is what mewing enthusiasts believe will yield visible results. Some even recommend doing exercises that reinforce this posture, especially if you're not used to engaging the tongue this way.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many beginners make the mistake of pushing only the tip of their tongue against the palate, which can cause tension without any real benefit. Another error is mewing inconsistently—doing it for just a few minutes a day won’t make a difference. It requires ongoing, conscious effort.

Before and After: Real Results or Wishful Thinking?

One of the driving forces behind the viral success of mewing is the abundance of mewing jawline before and after images online. These photos often show a subtle but noticeable difference in jawline sharpness, chin projection, and overall facial harmony.

However, it's important to approach these transformations with a critical eye. Many variables contribute to facial appearance—including weight loss, lighting, camera angle, and even age. While mewing may influence bone structure in younger individuals (whose bones are still malleable), it's unlikely to create dramatic changes in adults without other contributing factors.

Does Mewing Actually Work?

So, does mewing work? The answer depends on your expectations. Scientifically, there’s limited peer-reviewed research proving that tongue posture alone can significantly alter adult facial structure. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that consistent mewing may lead to subtle improvements in jaw definition, breathing, and even posture.

Some orthodontists and facial development experts support mewing for children and teenagers, especially when integrated with orthodontic treatment. For adults, the consensus is that while changes may occur, they are generally mild and take time.

Benefits of the Mewing Technique

Despite the debate, the mewing technique benefits go beyond aesthetics. One of the most cited advantages is improved breathing, as proper tongue posture can open up the nasal passages and reduce mouth breathing. This can enhance sleep quality and reduce issues like snoring.

Posture improvement is another benefit. Mewing requires a straight spine and an upright head position, which naturally leads to better body alignment over time. Additionally, many users report increased self-confidence as they feel more in control of their appearance and health.

The Science Behind Orthotropics and Mewing

Orthotropics is the science behind mewing, emphasizing the influence of oral posture on facial development. According to Dr. John Mew, the position of the tongue, lips, and jaw plays a crucial role in how the face grows. When the tongue rests against the roof of the mouth, it helps shape the palate and support forward growth of the mid-face.

In children, this can result in more attractive facial proportions and fewer dental problems. For adults, the potential changes are subtler and primarily involve soft tissue. While mainstream orthodontics often dismiss orthotropics, the concept continues to gain traction as more people seek natural solutions for facial enhancement.

Is Mewing Just a Trend?

While it’s easy to label mewing as just another TikTok fad, its roots in dental science and facial orthopedics suggest there’s more to the story. The fact that the technique has endured and evolved over decades indicates that there may be merit behind the movement.

Mewing represents a shift toward holistic aesthetics—where people seek to optimize their appearance through daily habits rather than surgery or fillers. Even if the transformations aren’t dramatic, the practice itself promotes healthier posture, breathing, and awareness of facial mechanics.

How to Incorporate Mewing into Daily Life

Making mewing a part of your routine doesn't require any equipment or special tools. Start by setting reminders throughout the day to check your tongue position. You can also associate it with regular activities—like sitting at your desk, brushing your teeth, or waiting at a traffic light.

The goal is consistency. Like any habit, it takes time to rewire your muscle memory. But with practice, mewing can become second nature, allowing you to enjoy its potential benefits without conscious effort.

Final Thoughts: Science or Scam?

Mewing walks the line between science and speculation. On one hand, it’s grounded in the concept of facial development and supported by some orthodontic theories. On the other hand, exaggerated claims and poorly understood mechanics can lead people to expect unrealistic results.

Ultimately, the mewing jawline technique may not be a miracle solution, but it offers a low-risk, potentially beneficial practice for those seeking subtle improvements. Whether you’re chasing a chiseled look or just trying to improve your breathing and posture, mewing might be worth the effort.