"Mewing" has taken social media by storm, with claims that tongue posture can reshape your face and jawline. But what does dental science actually say? Let's separate fact from fiction.
What is Mewing?
Mewing is a technique named after British orthodontist Dr. John Mew. It involves maintaining "proper tongue posture" — resting your entire tongue flat against the roof of your mouth (palate) at all times, with lips closed and teeth lightly touching.
Proponents claim this can widen the palate, define the jawline, improve facial symmetry, and create a more attractive face shape over time.
What is Proper Tongue Posture?
✅ Correct Tongue Position
- Entire tongue rests flat against the palate (not just the tip)
- Tip of tongue behind upper front teeth (not touching them)
- Back of tongue also pressed up against soft palate
- Lips gently closed
- Teeth slightly apart or lightly touching
- Breathing through nose, not mouth
❌ Incorrect Tongue Position
- Tongue resting on the floor of the mouth
- Tongue pushing against front teeth (tongue thrust)
- Only tip of tongue touching palate
- Mouth breathing with tongue down
Does Mewing Actually Change Your Face?
In Children (Under 18): Possibly Yes
During childhood and adolescence, bones are still developing. Proper tongue posture and nasal breathing can influence facial development. Studies show that chronic mouth breathing in children leads to longer, narrower faces, while nasal breathers develop wider palates and more balanced facial proportions.
This is why pediatric dentists and orthodontists emphasize correcting mouth breathing and tongue thrust early — it genuinely affects development.
In Adults: Very Limited
Adult bones are fully formed and don't respond to tongue pressure the same way growing bones do. The dramatic "mewing transformations" on social media are typically the result of:
- Weight loss (reduces facial fat)
- Better posture (changes how face appears)
- Lighting differences in photos
- Puberty/natural aging changes
- Camera angles
That said, maintaining proper tongue posture as an adult still has benefits:
Real Benefits of Proper Tongue Posture
- Reduces snoring: Tongue stays forward, keeps airway open
- Prevents dry mouth: Promotes nasal breathing
- Better oral health: Nasal breathing means less gum disease
- Improved posture: Tongue position affects head and neck alignment
- Prevents tongue thrust: Reduces pressure on front teeth
- May reduce TMJ issues: Proper rest position reduces jaw strain
⚠️ Important Caution
Don't press your tongue forcefully against your palate. This can cause jaw pain, headaches, and TMJ problems. Proper tongue posture should be relaxed and natural, not strained. If you experience pain, stop and consult a dentist.
How to Practice Proper Tongue Posture
- Say "N": This naturally places tongue tip in correct position
- Swallow: Notice where your tongue goes — that's the target position
- Suction: Gently suction your tongue to your palate and maintain
- Breathe through nose: Keep mouth closed, breathe nasally
- Check throughout day: Set reminders to check tongue position
- Be patient: Takes weeks to become a habit
When to See a Dentist
- If you or your child breathes primarily through the mouth
- If you have tongue thrust (tongue pushes teeth when swallowing)
- If you snore heavily
- If you have open bite or dental crowding
- If mewing causes jaw pain or headaches
Frequently Asked Questions
What is proper tongue posture?
Proper tongue posture means resting your entire tongue (not just the tip) flat against the roof of your mouth (palate), with lips gently closed and teeth slightly apart or lightly touching. This is the natural resting position for optimal oral health.
Does mewing actually work to change face shape?
In growing children (under 18), proper tongue posture can influence facial development. In adults, significant bone changes are unlikely, but mewing may improve posture, reduce snoring, and strengthen facial muscles slightly over time. Claims of dramatic adult facial changes are largely exaggerated.
How long does it take to see mewing results?
If any changes occur, they take months to years. Quick "before and after" transformations are usually due to lighting, posture, or weight changes. Children may see development changes over years. Adults should focus on the health benefits rather than expecting dramatic facial changes.
Can wrong tongue posture cause dental problems?
Yes, improper tongue posture (tongue thrust) can cause open bite, speech issues, and crooked teeth over time. Chronic mouth breathing is associated with gum disease, dry mouth, and facial development changes in children.
Concerned About Tongue Posture or Mouth Breathing?
Get your consultation today. We can assess oral habits and recommend solutions.
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Dr. P. Srujana Krishna
MDS, Endodontist & Founder
Founder & Chief Dentist at Janani Dental Care, Hafeezpet.