Continuing our current series of blog posts debunking viral dental hacks, demystifying eco-dentistry, and helping solve bad habits, today we’re looking at one of the most viral dental hacks of all: mewing.
What is Mewing?
According to the users of TikTok, mewing is the new method to achieve sharp cheekbones and a slender jawline – but it’s not actually that new.
Mewing is a method of “orthotropics”, a technique created by John Mew during the 1970s, but was popularised on social media by his son, Mike Mew, following a YouTube video.
Mewing was intended to be used for children, and aims to reposition the jaw by encouraging the patient to hold their tongue at the roof of their mouth. This technique supposedly makes more space in the jaw, theoretically removing the need for braces in the future by expanding the jaw, allowing space for the teeth and tongue.
It has been claimed that mewing can improve breathing disorders such as sleep apnea, increase nasal capacity, help speech disorders, and improve facial development.
Why is Mewing Bad?
Whilst all of these supposed benefits of mewing might sound good, the important thing to remember is that none of these claims are backed by scientific evidence and are therefore unfounded.
The changes John Mew supposedly observed have not been proven to be as a result of his treatment, as it is normal for children’s facial shapes to change as they grow. There is no evidence that mewing actually works.
Any new dental treatment has to undergo rigorous scientific testing before dentists are allowed to use it, but mewing is unproven.
In fact, there is a large risk that mewing may in fact cause several problems that it is intended to correct and can lead to:
- Jaw problems
- Tooth damage
- Misaligned teeth
- Loose teeth
- Pain and discomfort due to pressure.
If it’s Bad, Why is Mewing so Popular?
There are several factors that have led to the popularity of mewing, though the primary culprit is social media.
We live in a culture of constant comparison. With the possibility of image editing, filters, and AI enhancement, most of what we see online is not a true representation of what the person looks like, and yet we can’t help but compare ourselves to models and influencers.
This, combined with the ease with which misinformation can spread online, has allowed mewing to become popular.
The technique is mostly promoted by adolescents on TikTok, whose faces are naturally changing anyway. Most of the supposed “results” of mewing are unlikely to be as a result of the exercise. There is no evidence that mewing works – even if it did work, it is intended to be used for children, and likely would have no effect for adults whose jaws are already fully grown.
You should always be wary of information on social media, especially medical information. Make sure you do your own research. Who is offering this information? What are their qualifications? Is the information they’re offering also printed in reputable medical journals and promoted by other medical professionals?
What Are Alternatives to Mewing?
If you’re interested in mewing for the supposed jaw enhancing benefits, there are several far better options.
You can consider non-surgical treatments such as dermal fillers. When choosing dermal fillers, make sure you are seeing a qualified medical professional (such as our Synergy dentists). Ask whoever is providing your treatment about their qualifications and where they trained if you are unsure, or you can risk causing further complications.
You can also consider facial massage and gua sha, which is believed to have a slimming effect as it aids facial drainage. Though this is temporary, facial massage can be performed daily. It may also help to relax your facial muscles which could improve your face shape and provide temporary relief from stress-related facial discomfort.
What Happened to John and Mike Mew?
John Mew, the founder of orthotropics and mewing, has been reprimanded by the GDC, though he continues to promote orthotropics and sell courses on the subject.
His son, Mike Mew, has been struck off by the GDC. He is banned from providing dental treatment in the UK, following a tribunal by the GDC during which he was found to have provided unnecessary treatment to two children which had the potential to cause harm, and for his 2017 YouTube video which popularised information that was deemed misinformation. The cause for his suspension by the GDC is officially listed as misconduct.
Mike Mew is erased from the GDC register until 2124, meaning he will never be able to legally practise dentistry in the UK again.
You can read the results of Mike Mew’s tribunal on the GDC’s website.
What’s The Verdict: Is Mewing Good or Bad?
The risks of mewing far outweigh the possible benefits. There are better, proven methods of improving jaw shape. Maintaining good posture, fixing misalignment with braces, and dermal fillers are all more likely to provide better results.
As always, we encourage you to thoroughly research any and all medical or healthcare information promoted on social media, which is why we have included our source list to allow you to research for yourself.
Seek the advice of multiple medical professionals if you have any doubts – we are always happy to help. You can book with one of our Synergy dentists using the book now button.
Sources:
Cho, D.D. (2022). What is Mewing and Why You Shouldn’t Do It. [online] Online Dental Care. Available at: https://onlinedentalcare.org/dental-topics/quick-reads/what-is-mewing-and-why-you-should-not-do-it/ [Accessed 20 Nov. 2024].
Gdc-uk.org. (2024). GDC Mike Mew Search Result. [online] Available at: https://olr.gdc-uk.org/SearchRegister/SearchResult?RegistrationNumber=69138 [Accessed 20 Nov. 2024].
Hennessey, T. (2022). ‘Mewing’ dentist advised young children harmful treatment, tribunal told. [online] The Independent. Available at: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/tiktok-london-youtube-b2224737.html [Accessed 20 Nov. 2024].
Pérez, C. (2024). What Is Mewing? The Truth Behind the Jaw-Sculpting Technique. [online] Vogue. Available at: https://www.vogue.com/article/how-to-mew [Accessed 20 Nov. 2024].
Sissons, B. (2020). Everything you need to know about mewing. [online] Medicalnewstoday.com. Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/mewing#face-shaping-treatments [Accessed 20 Nov. 2024].