Table of contents
1. What is Mewing?
Mewing is a method of practicing correct tongue placement to improve facial contours and respiratory function. The method is named after Dr. John Mew and was popularized by his son, orthodontist Mike Mew.
Mewing involves placing the entire tongue on the roof of the mouth, keeping the lips closed, and breathing through the nose. The main purpose of this method is to apply gentle pressure to the upper jaw, thereby helping to reshape the facial bone structure over time.
2. Benefits of mewing
Practicing mewing correctly can bring many health and beauty benefits:
- – Improve facial contours: Mewing can help enhance cheekbones, slim the face and create sharper contours.
- – Improve bite: Mewing can help adjust the position of the jaw, thereby improving bite problems such as overbite and underbite.
- – Reduce snoring and sleep apnea: By improving tongue position and opening up the airway, mewing can help reduce breathing problems while sleeping.
- – Improve oral health: Correct tongue position can help improve saliva flow and reduce the risk of tooth decay.
3. Basic mewing steps
To practice mewing properly, you need to follow these steps:
- Step 1: Close your lips, keep your neck straight and relax your body.
- Step 2: Place the lower teeth behind the upper teeth, creating a small gap between the two jaws. Be careful not to let the two jaws touch each other.
- Step 3: Place the tip of your tongue lightly against the gum of your upper jaw, about 1cm away from your front teeth. Then, push the entire tongue (including the body and base of the tongue) against the upper palate.
- Step 4: Swallow saliva to make sure the tongue is firmly attached to the roof of the mouth.
- Step 5: Keep your tongue in place for 20-30 minutes and breathe through your nose.
When you first start, you can practice for short periods of time and gradually increase the duration. The goal is to maintain this position for as long as possible, even while sleeping.
4. Two popular mewing methods
There are two main methods of mewing:
a. Soft Mewing:
This is a suitable method for beginners. In soft mewing, you just need to place your tongue on the roof of your mouth with gentle pressure. This method is easy to do and less tiring, suitable for long-term practice.
b. Hard Mewing:
This method requires you to apply more pressure from your tongue to the roof of your mouth. This method should only be used after you have mastered soft mewing.
5. Notes when practicing mewing
To get the best results when practicing mewing, you need to pay attention to the following points:
- – Be patient and consistent: Mewing is a long-term process that requires patience. Results can take several months to several years to see clearly.
- – Maintain correct posture: Make sure to keep your neck straight and shoulders relaxed when mewing.
- – Breathe through your nose: Always remember to breathe through your nose instead of your mouth when practicing mewing.
- – Do not apply too much pressure: Especially when you first start, avoid applying too much pressure to the roof of your mouth to avoid causing pain.
- – Combined with a healthy diet: A diet rich in calcium and vitamin D can support jaw bone development.
- – Consult a specialist: If you have dental or jaw problems, consult your dentist before starting mewing.
6. Who should and should not practice mewing?
Mewing can be suitable for many people, especially:
– People with bite problems such as overbite or underbite.
– People who want to improve facial contours.
– People with breathing problems while sleeping.
However, some people should consider carefully (and consult an expert) before practicing mewing:
– People wearing braces.
– People with temporomandibular joint problems.
– Children under 8 years old (should consult a dentist).
7. Common mistakes when practicing mewing
When practicing mewing, many people often make the following mistakes:
- – Wrong tongue position: Only place the tip of the tongue on the roof of the mouth without placing the entire tongue.
- – Mouth breathing: This takes away the effectiveness of mewing and can cause other problems.
- – Applying too much pressure: Can cause pain and does not provide better results.
- – Lack of patience: Mewing takes a long time to see results, many people get discouraged and give up easily.
- – Not maintaining proper posture: A hunched neck or tensed shoulders can reduce the effectiveness of mewing.
8. Conclusion
Mewing is a natural method that can help improve facial contours and respiratory function. However, to achieve the best results, you need to do it correctly and consistently over a long period of time. Remember, mewing is not a substitute for professional dental treatment. If you have any serious dental or jaw problems, consult your dentist.
If you have any questions about mewing or other dental issues, feel free to send your questions via the 'ASK A QUESTION' section on our website. Our experts will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
You can also test your dental knowledge by taking the 'DENTAL QUIZ' game on the website. It's a fun way to learn more about dental health and find out things you might not know.
