What is the Mewing Method?
The <strong>mewing method</strong> is a set of techniques and principles developed by Dr. Mike Mew, a third-generation British orthodontist. This method is based on the idea that correct tongue posture can positively influence facial development and respiratory health.
Unlike simple instructions to 'place the tongue on the palate', the true mewing method is a holistic approach that encompasses tongue posture, nasal breathing, body posture, and chewing habits.
The Foundations of the Mewing Method
1. Orthotropics: The Scientific Basis
The mewing method is founded on orthotropics, a branch of dentistry that focuses on facial growth and development. Orthotropics maintains that posture, function, and habits can significantly influence how the face develops.
According to Dr. Mew, modern problems such as mouth breathing, soft diet, and poor posture have contributed to widespread facial underdevelopment, resulting in issues like narrow jaws, dental crowding, and breathing problems.
2. The Functional Matrix Theory
The mewing method is supported by Melvin Moss's functional matrix theory, which proposes that bone growth is influenced by surrounding soft tissues and functional forces. In other words, form follows function.
According to this theory, the constant pressure of the tongue against the palate can stimulate lateral growth of the upper maxilla and contribute to more harmonious facial development over time.
3. The Three Pillars of the Mewing Method
- Correct tongue posture: The entire tongue must rest against the palate, exerting gentle but constant pressure.
- Exclusive nasal breathing: Breathing through the nose instead of the mouth is fundamental to the method.
- Proper chewing: Consuming harder foods and chewing thoroughly to strengthen the masticatory muscles.
4. Integrated Body Posture
The mewing method is not limited to tongue position. It also emphasizes the importance of:
- Maintaining an upright posture of the head and neck
- Properly aligning the spine
- Keeping shoulders relaxed and pulled back
- Avoiding forward head tilt ('text neck' posture)
The Mewing Method in Detail
The Complete Technique
- Tongue position:
- Place the tip of your tongue just behind the upper front teeth, on the small ridge (incisive papilla).
- Press the middle third of your tongue against the hard palate.
- Raise the posterior third of your tongue until it touches the soft palate.
- The entire tongue should be in contact with the roof of the mouth, leaving no gaps.
- Jaw position:
- Keep your teeth slightly apart (1-2 mm), not clenched.
- The jaw should be relaxed, not forced forward or backward.
- Lips should be closed effortlessly.
- Breathing:
- Breathe exclusively through your nose, both when inhaling and exhaling.
- Breathing should be deep, slow, and diaphragmatic.
- Completely avoid mouth breathing, even during exercise.
- Chewing:
- Incorporate harder, more fibrous foods into your diet.
- Chew each bite thoroughly (30-50 times).
- Use both sides of your mouth when chewing for balanced development.
- Body posture:
- Keep your head upright, with ears aligned with shoulders.
- Avoid tilting your head forward when using electronic devices.
- Keep shoulders relaxed and back, not hunched.
Differences Between the Mewing Method and 'Internet Mewing'
| Aspect | Original Mewing Method | Popular Internet Mewing |
|---|---|---|
| Approach | Holistic: tongue posture, breathing, chewing, and body posture | Simplified: mainly tongue position |
| Objective | Optimal facial development and respiratory health | Primarily aesthetic (defined jawline, more attractive face) |
| Expectations | Gradual changes over the long term, especially in young people | Often promises quick and dramatic results |
| Scientific basis | Based on orthotropic principles and clinical studies | Often based on anecdotes and unverified 'before and after' photos |
| Technique | Precise, with attention to specific position details | Simplified, sometimes with incorrect or incomplete information |
Want to implement the mewing method correctly?
Now that you understand the foundations of the mewing method, you can begin to implement it properly and with realistic expectations. Remember that it is a holistic approach that requires consistency.