Understanding Mewing and Adult Facial Anatomy
Before diving into whether mewing works for older adults, it's important to understand the biological principles at play. Mewing, a technique developed by orthodontist John Mew and popularized by his son Mike Mew, involves keeping the tongue pressed against the roof of the mouth. Proponents claim this practice can reshape the jawline, improve facial symmetry, and address issues like sleep apnea.
The fundamental premise, however, relies on influencing facial and jawbone growth. For adults, unlike children whose facial bones are still developing, the skeletal structure is already fully formed and fused. This fixed anatomy means that applying pressure with your tongue is not a robust enough force to cause a permanent skeletal shift. The American Association of Orthodontists and other experts state that significant, lasting changes to an adult's bone structure are not possible through mewing.
The Allure of Anecdotal Evidence
Despite the scientific consensus, social media is rife with compelling "before-and-after" photos and personal testimonials supporting mewing. It's crucial to approach these with a critical eye. Many online images rely on strategic lighting, specific camera angles, and temporary muscle flexion to create the illusion of a more defined jawline. What might look like a restructured jaw could simply be a person holding their tongue and facial muscles in a new position for a photograph. Other factors like weight loss can also dramatically alter facial contours, leading individuals to credit mewing for changes actually caused by shedding pounds.
How Proper Tongue Posture Can Create Subtle Effects
While mewing won't reshape bone, adopting better oral and head posture can offer subtle benefits, though not in the way many expect. Practicing correct tongue posture can strengthen certain submandibular muscles, the same way any muscle exercise works. This temporary toning may lead to a slight lift in the area under the chin, but it does not equate to bone remodeling. For older adults, this can provide a minor, temporary aesthetic boost. Correcting forward head posture, often associated with a slumped neck and weaker facial muscles, can also instantly improve the appearance of the jawline by stretching the skin and underlying tissues.
Mewing vs. Medically Proven Procedures for Older Adults
For older adults seeking more noticeable and lasting improvements, medically supervised treatments are the reliable option. Here is a comparison of what mewing offers versus proven alternatives.
| Feature | Mewing (for Older Adults) | Medically Proven Treatments (e.g., fillers, surgery) |
|---|---|---|
| Skeletal Change | No, bones are fused after puberty. | Yes, through procedures like orthognathic surgery. |
| Muscle Toning | Minor, temporary toning of submandibular muscles. | Addresses muscle and tissue laxity more effectively. |
| Duration of Results | Temporary; requires continuous, lifelong effort to maintain. | Can be permanent (surgery) or last for months to years (fillers). |
| Aesthetic Impact | Subtle and non-permanent changes; can be mimicked by posture. | Significant, predictable, and customizable results. |
| Safety & Risks | Generally low risk, but improper technique can cause TMJ pain. | Risks associated with medical procedures, but managed by professionals. |
| Expert Backing | Lacks scientific evidence; debunked by experts. | Supported by clinical research and licensed practitioners. |
Potential Risks of Mewing, Especially with Age
Although mewing is often presented as harmless, misinformed practice can lead to potential issues, particularly for older adults. The American Association of Orthodontists warns against attempting unsupervised jaw or teeth shifts. This can cause tooth misalignment, aggravate existing bite problems, and lead to jaw strain. With age, dental issues and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can become more prevalent, and improper mewing could exacerbate these conditions. Excessive clenching or applying forceful pressure could lead to pain or dysfunction in the TMJ.
Conclusion
While the internet-fueled popularity of mewing continues, the scientific evidence is clear: for older adults, mewing does not work to produce meaningful, permanent changes to facial bone structure. The physiological reality is that facial bones are no longer malleable after puberty. Any observed effects are likely due to minor muscle toning or are optical illusions created by posture and camera angles. Those seeking noticeable cosmetic or functional improvements for age-related concerns are better served by consulting a medical or dental professional for evidence-based treatments. While focusing on good posture can't hurt, relying on mewing as an anti-aging cure-all is a promise without scientific backing.
For more information on evidence-based dental care and facial aesthetics, consider consulting with a qualified orthodontist or maxillofacial surgeon, rather than relying on viral trends.
Keypoints
- No Skeletal Change in Adults: After puberty, an adult's facial bones are fused and cannot be reshaped by tongue posture.
- Anecdotal Evidence Is Misleading: Online before-and-after photos often use deceptive lighting and angles, or are the result of temporary muscle flexion or weight loss.
- Minor Muscle Toning May Occur: Practicing mewing may temporarily strengthen submandibular muscles, potentially offering a slight lift in the chin area.
- Risks Include Dental Issues and TMJ Pain: Improper or excessive mewing can lead to misaligned teeth, worsen bite problems, and cause jaw pain or fatigue.
- Medically Proven Alternatives Exist: Significant and lasting facial rejuvenation for older adults requires consultation with professionals and may involve procedures like orthognathic surgery or dermal fillers.
- Better Oral Habits Can Offer Subtle Perks: Focusing on proper tongue and head posture can improve breathing habits and may offer minor aesthetic benefits, but is not a substitute for medical treatment.
- Originator's License Revoked: The orthodontist who developed mewing, John Mew, had his license revoked, further underscoring the technique's lack of scientific credibility.
