Short answer: Mewing is a social media trend that aims to sharpen the jawline by constantly pressing the tongue against the palate. In a March 2025 statement, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) notes that there is no research showing this method benefits the jawline or oral health. Unsupervised pressure can push teeth forward, disrupt the bite and strain the jaw joint. If there is a real jaw problem, it is assessed during an examination.
Mewing is a method spread on social media that aims to make the jawline look sharper by constantly pressing the whole tongue against the roof of the mouth. The short answer is this: there is no scientific evidence that this method changes the jawline. In information published in March 2025, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) states clearly that there is no current research showing mewing provides any benefit to the jaw or to oral health. What is more, applying force to the teeth and jaws without a dentist's supervision can cause certain problems. In this article we explain in plain language what mewing is, why it may be risky and what actually determines facial structure.
What is mewing and where did it come from?
The name mewing comes from the surname of a British dentist known for his views on tongue posture. Over time the method spread on social media, especially through short videos, and became part of a broader trend aimed at improving appearance. The videos usually include the following advice:
- Rest the whole tongue, not just the tip, against the palate,
- Keep the lips closed and the teeth lightly touching,
- Maintain this posture throughout the day, sometimes pressing deliberately.
Advocates claim this brings the jaw forward, straightens the teeth and makes the face look more defined. However, these claims rely on personal observations and before-and-after photos. In photos, factors such as lighting, angle, head posture and weight change can easily alter the result.
Does mewing change the jawline?
Based on what we know today, no. The AAO stresses that there is no research showing a beneficial effect of mewing on the jawline or oral health. In adults, growth of the jawbones is largely complete. The light pressure the tongue places on the palate is not expected to measurably change the shape of the bone or the position of the jaw.
In orthodontics, teeth and jaws really can be moved; but this happens through controlled forces whose direction and amount are measured, planned and regularly monitored by the orthodontist. Braces or clear aligners apply a light, continuous force to the teeth. In growing children, some appliances can help guide jaw development. In an adult with a marked skeletal discrepancy, orthognathic surgery (jaw surgery) may be considered. With mewing, however, the amount, direction and duration of the force are unknown; nobody measures or tracks it.
Can mewing be harmful?
The AAO does not recommend trying to move teeth or align the jaws without professional supervision. Uncontrolled and uneven tongue pressure is reported to contribute to the following problems in some people:
- Teeth pushed forward: If the pressure is not evenly distributed, some teeth may move forward while others stay in place.
- Crowding or gaps: New spaces may open between teeth, or teeth may overlap. For details, see our crowded teeth page.
- Bite problems: The way the upper and lower teeth fit together may change; this can contribute to conditions such as open bite, deep bite or a bite where the lower jaw sits forward.
- Jaw joint (TMJ) pain: The jaw joint in front of the ear and the chewing muscles may respond to long-term strain with pain, fatigue or clicking.
- Speech and discomfort: A changed bite and airflow can make some sounds harder to pronounce.
If these problems arise, longer and more complex orthodontic treatment may be needed later. In other words, a method that looks like a quick shortcut can turn into a more demanding path down the road.
Why should you be cautious about images on social media?
The comparison images often seen in mewing videos can look convincing. However, these images are not a scientific measurement. Tilting the head slightly upward, stretching the neck forward, deliberately clenching the jaw or a different camera angle can make the jawline look sharper within seconds. Weight loss, tensing the facial muscles and the direction of the light create a similar effect.
A scientific assessment, by contrast, compares X-rays and measurements taken of the same person, under the same conditions, at set intervals. No effect of mewing has been demonstrated in such controlled studies. Rather than assuming that the change you see in a video will happen to you too, discussing your concern with an orthodontist is the safer route.
What actually determines facial structure?
The appearance of the face and jawline cannot be explained by a single habit. The main factors are:
- Genetics: The size of the jawbones and their position relative to each other are largely inherited.
- Bone growth: During childhood and adolescence, the jaws grow at a certain rate and in a certain direction; this process is largely complete after puberty.
- Muscle development and soft tissues: The chewing muscles, lips, cheeks and the fat under the skin all affect facial contours.
- Age and weight: Skin elasticity and fat distribution change over time, and this is reflected in how the jawline looks.
The effect of orthodontic treatment on facial appearance varies from person to person. We discuss the limits of clear aligners on jaw structure in detail in our article can clear aligners correct jaw structure.
What is the difference between healthy tongue posture and mewing?
There is an important distinction here. The resting position of the tongue really does matter. In a healthy resting position, usually:
- The lips are closed without strain and breathing is through the nose,
- The tip of the tongue rests comfortably on the palate just behind the upper front teeth,
- There is a small gap of a few millimeters between the upper and lower teeth; the teeth are not constantly pressed together.
Mewing goes beyond this natural resting position: it recommends deliberately and forcefully pressing the tongue against the palate and keeping the teeth in constant contact. Maintaining a natural posture and applying force all day are not the same thing. Constantly clenching the teeth can tire the chewing muscles and contribute to tooth wear.
If you notice mouth breathing, a tongue-thrust habit (the tongue pressing against the front teeth when swallowing) or speech difficulty, showing this to an orthodontist is the right step. If needed, the assessment can be done together with an ear, nose and throat specialist or a speech and language therapist.
What is done if the jaw is set back or narrow?
For some people, a real orthodontic or skeletal condition may lie behind their concern about the jawline. For example, the lower jaw may be set back, the upper jaw may be narrow or the teeth may be tipped forward. In these cases the approach depends on the person's age and the source of the problem.
In growing children and teenagers
While the jaws are still growing, some problems can be guided with appliances. Options such as a palatal expander for a narrow upper jaw or functional appliances for a set-back lower jaw are evaluated during the examination. For information about these appliances, you can read our orthodontic appliances page. Timing matters here; that is why an early first orthodontic examination is recommended for children.
In adults
Once growth is complete, the ability of appliances to guide the jawbone is limited. If the problem relates mainly to the alignment and tilt of the teeth, treatment with braces or clear aligners can be planned. If there is a marked skeletal discrepancy, an approach that combines orthodontics with jaw surgery may be discussed. Which path is suitable is determined through a clinical examination, X-rays and a review of the records. You can find the options for adults in our article Invisalign for adults.
What should you do if you have tried mewing and have complaints?
If you have been mewing for a while and notice any of the following signs, it is advisable to stop and see an orthodontist:
- Gaps opening between the front teeth or the front teeth tipping forward,
- A feeling that your teeth no longer close the way they used to,
- Pain, clicking or shifting in the jaw when opening the mouth,
- Fatigue in the jaw or temple area in the morning,
- Difficulty pronouncing certain sounds.
During the examination, the position of the teeth, the bite, the jaw joint and tongue posture are evaluated; X-rays are taken if needed. Changes noticed early can usually be addressed in simpler ways.
How does an orthodontic consultation work in Çankaya, Ankara?
At Funda Sarıkaya Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic, the examination is carried out by Funda Pekyılmaz Sarıkaya, specialist orthodontist (Uzm. Dt.). At the first visit, your concerns are heard, your teeth and bite are examined and your jaw joint is evaluated. If considered necessary, records are taken with X-rays and a digital intraoral scan. You are then told whether there is a problem and, if so, what options are available. The clinic is located at Park Oran Ofis in Oran, Çankaya; to book an appointment, you can reach us through our contact page.
Source: The information in this article has been prepared in our own words based on the American Association of Orthodontists' patient information on mewing. For our other sources, see the sources page.
Frequently asked questions
Does mewing really change the jawline?
To date, there is no scientific research showing that mewing changes the jawline. The American Association of Orthodontists also states that there is no evidence for this. Because growth of the jawbones is largely complete in adults, the shape of the bone is not expected to change through tongue pressure. Differences seen in photos are mostly related to angle, lighting and head posture.
Does mewing damage the teeth?
Not everyone develops problems, but uncontrolled and uneven tongue pressure can push teeth forward in some people, create gaps or crowding and change the bite. Jaw joint pain and muscle fatigue may also occur. For this reason, moving teeth and jaws should not be attempted without a dentist's supervision; if you have complaints, they are evaluated during an examination.
How should the tongue rest on the palate?
At rest, the lips are closed without strain and breathing is through the nose. The tip of the tongue rests comfortably on the palate just behind the upper front teeth, and there is a small gap between the upper and lower teeth. Constantly clenching the teeth or pressing the tongue forcefully is not the natural resting position.
Can a set-back jaw be corrected with mewing?
A set-back jaw is often a skeletal condition, and there is no evidence that it improves with mewing. In growing children, options such as functional appliances may be considered; in adults, orthodontic treatment or, if necessary, jaw surgery combined with orthodontics. Which path is suitable is determined through an examination and X-rays.
Do clear aligners change the jawline?
Clear aligners change the position and tilt of the teeth; in some people this can slightly affect lip support and the facial profile. However, they do not change the size or position of the jawbone in an adult. Marked skeletal discrepancies require other approaches. The change you can expect is discussed in detail during the examination after your records have been reviewed.
