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

Mewing is a technique of facial gymnastics that involves positioning the tongue in the mouth in a specific way, with the goal of reshaping the jawline. More precisely, it entails pressing the tongue against the palate, mouth closed, while adopting a well-defined mandibular posture. According to proponents of mewing, this regular practice could ultimately subtly alter the appearance of the face, refine the jawline contours, and even reduce the appearance of a double chin. Originally, mewing was not an aesthetic trend but a therapeutic exercise proposed by British orthodontist John MEW. He recommended it to prevent jaw misalignment, avert its collapse, and strengthen chewing and swallowing functions.

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

It was his son, Dr. Mike MEW, also an orthodontist, who helped introduce this method to the general public. In 2018, he published a video on his YouTube channel Orthotropics, in which he provides a detailed explanation of the technique. Very quickly, mewing went viral on social media, particularly on TikTok, where numerous users post before-and-after photos to showcase the purported benefits of the method, primarily focused on lower facial aesthetics.

Mewing relies on a seemingly simple principle, but one that demands rigor and consistency: it involves learning to position the tongue within the oral cavity and maintaining that posture over time. This technique is divided into two steps:

• The first step is to close the mouth, to position the entire tongue, including the posterior portion, against the palate, while being careful not to press against the front teeth. This detail is crucial: misplaced pressure can, over time, affect dental alignment. The goal is to distribute force evenly across the palatal vault. Breathing must occur exclusively through the nose, which sometimes requires a retraining phase, especially for those accustomed to mouth breathing. This posture can be maintained at any time of day—whether at rest in front of a screen, while walking, or reading—and even during swallowing.

• The second phase, referred to by some as "tongue-chewing," is designed to intensify muscular strengthening by simulating chewing. It consists of pressing the tongue against the palate, a movement that is believed to strengthen the tongue muscles.

Although these gestures may seem innocuous, their repetition over weeks—or even months—would, according to proponents of mewing, serve as a lever to subtly influence facial structure.

The appeal of mewing lies in its promise of a visible, natural transformation of the lower facial structure without resorting to surgery or injections.

Holding the tongue pressed against the palate for an extended period would increase contraction of the lower jaw. Over time, this muscular engagement would help to tone the mandibular muscles, redefine the jawline, and reduce the appearance of a double chin. Some individuals also report more comprehensive improvements in facial aesthetics. By maintaining the tongue against the palate, the upper jaw would project slightly forward. This movement would be expected to decrease nasolabial folds, tighten perioral tissues, and even give the upper lip a fuller appearance—claims that are certainly compelling.

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

Mewing: how long does it take to observe results?

Most individuals practicing mewing recommend performing it regularly and diligently—ideally for several hours per day over several months—to expect observable changes. According to anecdotal reports, the first visible results may appear after three to six months of continuous practice. Therefore, practitioners of mewing should exercise patience and perseverance, without anticipating a rapid or dramatic transformation.

Are the effects of mewing genuinely proven by science?

This is where the debate begins. While social media is awash with before-and-after photos and enthusiastic testimonials, the scientific literature remains cautious. To date, no rigorous study has confirmed the effectiveness of mewing for firming the face or reducing a double chin. Thus, despite what is sometimes claimed, this method cannot be considered an alternative to surgery.

While mewing entices with its cosmetic promises, this technique is not without risks. According to several experts, it could prove problematic because it requires maintaining an unusual tongue and jaw position for extended periods, which can result in muscle tension. Some orthodontists also warn of potential disruptions to normal jaw function and swallowing.

Additionally, Dr. Mike MEW, a central figure in this method, was expelled from the British Orthodontic Society for professional misconduct after prescribing treatments that allegedly harmed 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 practiced this method intensively developed a painless swelling beneath 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 given the increased intraglandular pressure during exercise execution.

If you wish to alter the shape of your face or reduce your double chin, we recommend that you seek advice from your dentist or a healthcare professional before practicing 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).