Mewing: this novel technique for sculpting the jawline and reducing a double chin.

Mewing is a technique of facial exercise that consists of positioning the tongue in the mouth in a specific way in order to reshape the jaw. More precisely, it involves pressing the tongue against the palate with the mouth closed, while adopting a well-defined mandibular posture. According to proponents of mewing, regular practice could ultimately subtly alter facial appearance, refine the contours of the jawline and even reduce the appearance of a double chin. Originally, mewing was not an aesthetic trend but a therapeutic exercise proposed by the British orthodontist John Mew. He recommended it to prevent jaw alignment disorders, avoid mandibular collapse and strengthen the functions of mastication and swallowing.

The meaning of mewing is therefore not the meow of the cat. This word is derived from the surname of its originator.

It was his son, Dr Mike MEW, who is also an orthodontist, that helped bring this method to the attention of the general public. In 2018, he published a video on his YouTube channelOrthotropicsin which he explains the technique in detail. Very quickly, mewing went viral on social media, particularly on TikTok, where numerous users post before-and-after photos to showcase the method’s alleged benefits, primarily centred on the aesthetics of the lower face.

Mewing is based on an apparently simple principle, but one that requires discipline and consistency: it involves learning to position the tongue in the mouth and to maintain this posture over time. This technique unfolds in two steps:

• The first step is to close the mouth, and position the entire tongue, including the posterior portion, against the palate, ensuring it does not press against the anterior teeth. This detail is critical: misplaced pressure can, over time, influence dental alignment. The aim is to distribute pressure evenly across the palatal vault. Breathing must be carried out exclusively through the nose, which can sometimes require a period of retraining, especially if one is accustomed to breathing through the mouth. This posture may be maintained at any time of day, notably at rest – in front of a screen, while walking or reading – and even during swallowing.

• The second stage, nicknamed by some "tongue-chewing", involves intensifying muscle strengthening by simulating mastication. It consists of pressing the tongue against the palate, a movement that would strengthen the tongue muscles.

Although these gestures may appear harmless, their repetition over weeks, even months, would, according to mewing proponents, serve as a lever to subtly influence the facial structure.

If mewing is so appealing, it is because it promises a visible and natural transformation of the lower face without surgery or injections.

By pressing the tongue firmly against the palate for an extended period, the lower jaw is induced to contract more strongly. Over time, this muscular activity would help to tone the mandibular muscles, redefine the facial oval and diminish the appearance of a double chin. Some people also report broader effects on facial aesthetics. By maintaining the tongue against the palate, the upper jaw is projected slightly forward. This movement is thought to reduce the appearance of nasolabial folds, tighten the perioral tissues and even give the upper lip a plumper appearance—promises that are certainly appealing.

According to Dr MEW, mewing could also improve nasal breathing, facilitate swallowing or even correct speech disorders. It is even sometimes presented as a potential solution for sleep apnoea or certain chronic sinusitis, by promoting better tongue and head posture.

Mewing: how long does it take to observe results?

Most individuals practising mewing recommend carrying it out regularly and diligently—ideally for several hours a day over the course of several months—in order to expect observable changes. According to anecdotal reports, the first visible results may emerge after three to six months of continuous practice. Consequently, mewing enthusiasts should exercise patience and perseverance, without anticipating a rapid or spectacular transformation.

Are the effects of mewing scientifically proven?

This is where the debate begins. While social media teems with 'before/after' photos and enthusiastic testimonials, the scientific literature remains cautious. To date, no rigorous study has confirmed the efficacy of mewing to firm the face or reduce a double chin. Thus, despite what is sometimes claimed, this method cannot be regarded as an alternative to surgery.

While mewing is appealing for its aesthetic promises, this technique is not without risks. According to several experts, it may prove problematic because it requires maintaining an unusual tongue and jaw position for extended periods, which can lead to muscle tension. Some orthodontists also warn of potential disruptions to the natural function of the jaw and swallowing.

Moreover, Dr Mike Mew, a central figure in this method, has been expelled from the British Orthodontic Society for professional misconduct, after prescribing treatments that allegedly caused harm to several children. This context fuels criticism of mewing and calls for caution.

A rare but revealing clinical case also illustrates the potential adverse effects of mewing. An adolescent who practised this method intensively developed a painless swelling under the chin, diagnosed as a cyst associated with salivary gland dysfunction, possibly exacerbated by the pressure exerted during the exercises. The association between cyst development and mewing remains debated, but appears plausible due to the increase in intraglandular pressure during the exercise.

If you wish to alter the shape of your face or reduce your double chin, we recommend that you consult your dentist or another healthcare professional before practising mewing.

• FRIEDLANDER A. H. & al. Mewing: social media's alternative to orthognathic surgery? Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (2019).

• Thèse de Jamie COCKBURN. Portrait of an insecure young man: An exploration of the online propagation of mewing (2023).

• STÖVER T. & al. Mewing as a possible cause of salivary gland cysts. Laryngo-Rhino-Otologie (2023).