Jaw

The jaw is a critical part of the human and animal skeleton, playing a vital role in feeding, speech, and facial structure. It's comprised of two main parts: the upper jaw (maxilla) and the lower jaw (mandible). The mandible is unique in its mobility, articulated with the skull via hinge joints, enabling a wide range of movements for chewing and speaking. The jaw also houses teeth, which are essential for breaking down food and have a direct impact on jawbone health. 

Here's a more detailed look at the jaw:

Structure:

The jaw is a complex bony structure that supports the teeth and allows for the articulation of the mouth. The upper jaw (maxilla) is relatively fixed, while the lower jaw (mandible) is the only mobile bone of the facial skeleton. 

Function:

Jaws are crucial for various functions, including chewing, speaking, swallowing, and facial expression. The movement of the mandible, in conjunction with the muscles and joints, enables these actions. 

Impact on health:

Jaw health is closely linked to dental health and overall well-being. Conditions like TMJ disorder (TMD) can affect jaw function and cause pain. Missing teeth can lead to jawbone loss, affecting chewing and facial appearance. 

Importance in feeding:

The jaw, along with teeth and other oral structures, is essential for capturing, manipulating, and processing food. The coordinated movement of the upper and lower jaws is crucial for chewing and swallowing. 

Evolution:

The evolution of jaws in various species has been driven by dietary needs and other factors. Mammals, for example, have jaw structures adapted to their specific diets, such as carnivores with shorter, narrower mandibles and herbivores with broader, more flexible ones.  

What Is Mewing?

Mewing is a technique for flattening your tongue against the roof of your mouth that's supposed to change your jawline and face shape. Some people also claim it can help with sleep apnea, sinusitis, and other conditions.

Mewing is named after British orthodontist, John Mew, who started promoting the method in the 1970s as an alternative to orthodontics. He and his son, fellow orthodontist Michael Mew, promote “orthotropics” that focuses on “jaw posture,” including retraining the position of your tongue. Britain’s General Dental Council stripped John Mew's dental license in 2019. The General Dental Council also held a misconduct hearing on Michael Mew. In 2022, he was expelled from the British Orthodontic Society, but as of June 2024, he is still practicing as an orthodontist. 

John and Michael Mew did not coin the term “mewing.” The name stems from an online movement among people who wanted to change the appearance of their jawlines using ideas from orthotropics, which was originally intended for young children whose jaws are still growing.

How to Mew

The North American Association of Facial Orthotics notes that orthotropics works best in kids aged 5-10. It may also work for some older children, but the results may be limited.

Instructions vary, but the basics seem to be:

Close your mouth and relax.

Move your jaw so that your bottom front teeth are just behind your upper front teeth.

Flatten your tongue across the roof of your mouth.

Hold the tip of your tongue right behind your front teeth without touching. Your teeth should gently touch. But don't clench your jaw.

Hold for 10-20 seconds, or as long as you you feel comfortable. Repeat several times a day.

Over time, increase the duration you hold your tongue in position in 30-second increments until you're able to hold your tongue in this position comfortably throughout the day.

Some suggest that you can find the right position for your tongue if you make the “ng” sound, as in “thing” or “wing.” Others suggest you focus on breathing out of your nose instead of your mouth.

It can take years of doing this technique for you to notice any changes in your jawline or face shape

Does Mewing Work?

There is no serious research that suggests mewing can change the shape of your jawline or help with other issues. Experts say it’s unlikely you’ll see any permanent change. Instead, if you want to strengthen your jawline, consider these jawline exercise tools.

Mouth Straps: These are the most common type, with various resistance levels for different users. 

Facial Massagers: Some massagers can be used to stimulate facial muscles and improve circulation. 

Ice Face Rollers/Silicone Facial Cubes: These can help reduce puffiness and improve skin tone. 

Benefits:

Strengthened facial muscles: Using a jawline exerciser can help strengthen the muscles in your jaw and neck. 

Toned appearance: Regular use can help tone facial muscles, potentially leading to a more defined jawline. 

Improved circulation: Facial massage can help improve blood flow and reduce puffiness. 

Considerations:

Safety: Ensure the tool is made from a non-toxic material and is safe for use in your mouth.

Resistance: Choose a resistance level that is comfortable for you and gradually increase it as you get stronger.

Consistency: Regular use is important to see results. 

Where to Find Jawline Exercisers:

Online retailers: Amazon.in and Flipkart offer a variety of jawline exercisers.

Specialty retailers: Some retailers specializing in fitness or beauty products may also carry jawline exercisers. 

Dentists and orthodontists sometimes use techniques with concepts similar to the ones in mewing to treat sleep apnea and misaligned teeth, but it’s generally only one part of a structured and proven treatment plan. They also talk to people about possible risks and benefits.

Is Mewing Bad for You?

No, just using the technique is not likely bad for you. It's unlikely that you will substantially change the structure of your teeth, face, or jaw by resting your tongue in a specific way, especially if you're an adult and your bones have stopped growing.

However, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) states that forcing your tongue into unnatural positions could lead to:

Misalignment of teeth

Worsening of bite problems and speech issues

A need for complicated treatment to repair any misalignment

The AAO doesn't recommend you try to move your teeth or align your jaw without the guidance of your dentist or an orthodontist.

Takeaways

Mewing is a way of holding your tongue that is supposed to change the shape of your jawline and face. Currently, there's no research that suggests mewing can actually change your jawline. But, as long as you don't clench your teeth, there's likely no harm in trying it.

Mewing FAQs

Does mewing fix your jawline?

No, it's unlikely that mewing will change your jawline, especially if you've gone through puberty. There's no scientific research that shows it works. Almost all of the evidence that supports it is anecdotal, which means that it's based on self-report by people who have used the technique.

Mewing is a technique that involves maintaining proper tongue posture by pressing the tongue against the roof of the mouth, keeping the lips closed, and teeth lightly touching. Proponents claim that this practice can reshape the jawline, improve facial structure, and offer other health benefits over time. The concept was introduced by British orthodontist Dr. John Mew and has gained popularity through social media platforms like TikTok and Reddit.

Despite its widespread attention, there is currently no scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of mewing in altering facial structure or providing significant health benefits. Experts caution that while maintaining proper oral posture is important, relying solely on mewing for facial restructuring is not recommended. Improper practice may lead to issues such as jaw pain or misalignment. For individuals seeking to address concerns related to jaw alignment or facial aesthetics, consulting with qualified healthcare professionals is advised to explore evidence-based treatments