Jaw and lower face

Mewing: does it work? What the science says

Mewing means resting your whole tongue against the roof of your mouth, mouth closed, to sculpt the jaw. In children, whose bones are still growing, tongue position plays a known role. In adults, no solid study shows it changes bone. At best, it improves posture and profile a little.

Updated November 7, 2026 · By Julien Rayes · Version française

What mewing is

The name comes from John and Mike Mew, two British orthodontists behind "orthotropics." The idea: rest your whole tongue against the roof of your mouth, lips closed, teeth lightly touching, and breathe through your nose. The theory is that holding this posture all day would influence how the face grows.

What the science says

In children, whose bones are still growing, tongue position and nose breathing play a known role in jaw development. Orthodontists follow this topic closely.

In adults, no solid study shows that mewing changes the shape of bone. Social media before-and-afters often mix better posture, a different photo angle, fat loss, or a lifted chin.

What it can do

• Improve head and neck posture, which sharpens your profile.
• Encourage nose breathing.
• Slightly tighten the area under the chin at rest.

The risks

⚠️ Done too hard, by forcing it or clenching your teeth, mewing can cause jaw pain and headaches, or make a jaw joint disorder worse. If it hurts, stop and talk to a dentist or orthodontist.

Alternatives that work

For a sharper jaw, lower your body fat, fix your posture, and pick a beard and haircut that define the lower face. Minimally invasive options, such as injections, are something to discuss with a qualified doctor. Our square jaw guide covers each lever. 📏

Frequently asked questions

Does mewing change your jaw?

In adults, no solid evidence shows it does. The visible changes mostly come from posture, photo angle, or fat loss. 📸

How long does mewing take to show results?

No proven bone change is to be expected in adults. The posture effect, though, shows right away.

Is mewing dangerous?

A relaxed tongue posture isn't. Forcing it, clenching your teeth, or keeping it up despite pain can damage the jaw joint.