Have you heard of “mewing”? It’s all over TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. Millions of people are showing “before and after” pictures, claiming they reshaped their jawline just by changing how their tongue rests in their mouth.
It sounds almost magical, right? No braces, no surgery, no dentist—just a tongue trick that promises a sculpted jawline. But is it real, or is it just another internet fad? At Riverside Dental Center, we want to clear up the mystery and share what science really says.
What Is Mewing?
Mewing is a technique where you press your tongue against the roof of your mouth and keep it there all the time. Supporters claim it can:
- Sharpen your jawline
- Straighten your teeth
- Improve breathing
- Even change the way your face looks
The idea came from Dr. John Mew, a British orthodontist. Years later, social media turned his name into a hashtag, and now millions are curious whether it actually works.
Why It Took Off Online
People love simple hacks that promise big results. Mewing caught fire because:
- It’s free.
- Anyone can try it at home.
- The “before and after” photos look dramatic.
- It taps into a desire for quick beauty fixes.
But what goes viral isn’t always backed by science—and that’s where dentists in Riverside and around the world step in.
Does Mewing Work for Adults?
Here’s the straightforward truth: mewing cannot reshape the jawbone of an adult.
Bones stop growing once you reach maturity. Pushing your tongue upward won’t shift your jaw or remodel your facial bones. However, tongue posture does matter in children and teens. That’s why orthodontists sometimes recommend early treatment to guide growth in the right direction.
For adults, mewing may slightly improve posture and breathing habits, but it won’t give you a brand-new jawline.
Risks You Might Not Hear About
At Riverside Dental Center, we’ve had patients mention mewing during visits. While the practice seems harmless, it can cause problems if done aggressively:
- Bite issues – Constant pressure may push teeth where they don’t belong.
- Jaw strain – Forcing your tongue unnaturally can trigger TMJ pain.
- Frustration – Many people expect results that just aren’t possible.
The Small Upside
That said, mewing isn’t all bad. When done gently, it can remind you to:
- Rest your tongue in a healthier position
- Keep your mouth closed instead of mouth-breathing
- Reduce mild snoring for some people
These are helpful habits, but they’re not the same as changing your bone structure.
Real Ways to Improve Your Smile and Jawline
If your goal is to enhance your smile or facial appearance, dentistry has proven solutions that really work:
- Braces or Invisalign® – Move teeth into proper alignment.
- Cosmetic veneers or bonding – Transform the look of your smile.
- Professional whitening – Safely brighten your teeth.
- Corrective jaw treatment – For serious bite or jaw alignment problems.
These treatments have decades of science and successful results behind them—unlike internet trends.
Why It Matters Here in Riverside
We know Riverside is full of young, social-media-savvy people. It’s common for patients to ask, “Can I just try mewing instead of braces?” or “Will mewing fix my gummy smile?”
We’re glad these questions come up—it shows you care about your health and appearance. But we want you to have honest answers, not false promises.
What to Do Instead
If you’ve been tempted to try mewing, here’s our advice:
- Stick to proven habits – Brush twice daily, floss daily, and visit your dentist regularly.
- Think of mewing as posture, not magic – It may help you keep your airway open but won’t reshape your jaw.
- Ask a professional – If you want real changes, your dentist or orthodontist can give you safe, lasting options.
Final Word
Mewing makes for great TikTok videos, but it’s not a shortcut to a sculpted face. For adults, it won’t change bone shape—but it might improve small habits like breathing. The safest way to get the smile or jawline you want is still through proven dental care.
If you’re in Riverside, CA, and want to explore real options for a straighter smile, sharper jawline, or just healthier teeth, our team at Riverside Dental Center is here to help.
👉 Call Riverside Dental Center today (951) 353-8454 or schedule your appointment online. Let’s create a smile you’ll love—no internet hacks required.
