Mewing: The Complete Guide to Perfect Tongue Posture (2025)

Imagine transforming your entire facial structure just by changing where your tongue rests. Sounds impossible? Thousands of people have done exactly that through mewing—and you can too.

What Is Mewing? The Science Explained

Mewing is proper tongue posture: keeping your entire tongue pressed against the roof of your mouth. Developed by Dr. Mike Mew, this technique can:

• →Improve jawline definition
• →Enhance cheekbone prominence
• →Fix facial asymmetry
• →Improve breathing
• →Reduce sleep apnea
• →Straighten teeth naturally

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**Discover your mewing potential:** [Take our facial analysis quiz](/quiz) to see how mewing can transform your specific face structure.

The Science Behind Mewing

How Bones Adapt (Wolff's Law)

Your bones constantly remodel based on forces applied to them. The tongue exerts up to 500 grams of force—enough to reshape your facial bones over time.

*Key Facts:*

• →Takes only 1.7 grams of force to move teeth
• →Tongue position affects entire facial structure
• →Changes possible at any age (faster when younger)
• →Consistent pressure = permanent changes

The Maxilla: Your Face's Foundation

The maxilla (upper jaw) determines:

• →Cheekbone prominence
• →Eye support
• →Nasal breathing capacity
• →Lower jaw position
• →Overall facial attractiveness

When your tongue pushes up, it expands the maxilla upward and forward, creating the coveted "model face" structure.

How to Mew Correctly: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Find the Correct Position

1. Say "N" - Notice where your tongue touches
2. Slide tongue back while maintaining contact
3. Flatten entire tongue against palate
4. Create suction to hold position

Critical Point: Your ENTIRE tongue must be engaged, not just the tip.

Step 2: The Suction Hold Technique

The most important technique for 24/7 mewing:

1. Get tongue in position
2. Swallow while maintaining position
3. Create vacuum seal
4. Hold without conscious effort

Test: You should be able to hold this position while talking and eating.

Step 3: Proper Swallow

Incorrect swallowing negates mewing benefits:

*Wrong Way:*

• →Using cheek muscles
• →Tongue thrusts forward
• →Creates facial tension

*Right Way:*

• →Tongue sweeps back
• →No facial movement
• →Only throat muscles engage

Step 4: Maintain Correct Posture

Body posture affects tongue posture:

• →Head: Slightly tucked chin
• →Neck: Elongated, not forward
• →Shoulders: Back and down
• →Spine: Natural curve maintained

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Common Mewing Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

Mistake #1: Only Using Tongue Tip

Problem: No facial changes, sore tongue

Fix: Focus on posterior third of tongue

Exercise: Practice "ng" sound to engage back of tongue

Mistake #2: Forcing Too Hard

Problem: TMJ pain, headaches, asymmetry

Fix: Use suction, not force

Remember: Consistency > intensity

Mistake #3: Mouth Breathing

Problem: Tongue falls down, no progress

Fix: Tape mouth at night (use medical tape)

Bonus: Improves sleep quality

Mistake #4: Inconsistent Practice

Problem: No results after months

Fix: Set hourly reminders

Goal: Make it subconscious (takes 2-3 weeks)

Mistake #5: Wrong Expectations

Problem: Expecting overnight changes

Fix: Document with monthly photos

Reality: Visible changes in 3-6 months

Advanced Mewing Techniques

Hard Mewing vs Soft Mewing

*Soft Mewing (Recommended):*

• →Light constant pressure
• →Sustainable 24/7
• →Natural, safe progress
• →No side effects

*Hard Mewing (Use Caution):*

• →Forceful pushing
• →Short sessions only
• →Faster results (claimed)
• →Risk of TMJ issues

Mewing While Sleeping

The ultimate goal—maintain posture during sleep:

1. Perfect daytime posture first (2-3 weeks)
2. Sleep on back with slight elevation
3. Use mouth tape (start with 1 hour)
4. Chin strap for jaw support (optional)
5. Monitor morning tongue position

Chewing for Mewing Enhancement

Proper chewing complements mewing:

• →Chew equally on both sides
• →Use molars, not front teeth
• →Hard foods naturally (not excessive gum)
• →30 chews per bite minimum
• →Tongue sweep when swallowing

Age-Specific Mewing Guidelines

Ages 5-12: Foundation Years

• →Most dramatic changes possible
• →Focus on habit formation
• →Parents should model behavior
• →Results in months, not years

Ages 13-18: Prime Development

• →Rapid changes still possible
• →Combine with growth spurts
• →6-12 months for visible results
• →Can influence final adult face

Ages 19-25: Young Adult

• →Significant changes achievable
• →1-2 years for major shifts
• →Combine with overall looksmaxxing
• →Peak neuroplasticity

Ages 26-35: Adult Optimization

• →Changes slower but definite
• →2-3 years for full results
• →Focus on consistency
• →Prevents aging decline

Ages 35+: Mature Enhancement

• →Improvements still possible
• →Prevents further recession
• →Better breathing primary benefit
• →3+ years for structural changes

The Mewing Transformation Timeline

Month 1: Foundation

• →Establish habit
• →Improve breathing
• →Better sleep quality
• →Reduced snoring

Months 2-3: Early Changes

• →Slightly sharper jawline
• →Improved posture
• →Better facial symmetry
• →Clearer nasal passages

Months 4-6: Visible Progress

• →Defined jaw angle
• →Cheekbones more prominent
• →Improved side profile
• →Straighter teeth

Months 7-12: Significant Changes

• →Wider palate
• →Forward facial growth
• →Hollow cheeks developing
• →Improved eye area

Year 2+: Transformation

• →Permanent structural changes
• →Optimal facial development
• →Natural face lift effect
• →Complete breathing optimization

Mewing Exercises to Speed Progress

Exercise 1: Tongue Strengthening

1. Press tongue against palate
2. Hold maximum pressure for 30 seconds
3. Rest 30 seconds
4. Repeat 5 times
5. Do 3x daily

Exercise 2: Posterior Engagement

1. Say "ng" and hold
2. Feel back of tongue rise
3. Maintain for 60 seconds
4. Focus on keeping position
5. Practice throughout day

Exercise 3: Chin Tucks

1. Stand against wall
2. Tuck chin straight back
3. Hold 5 seconds
4. Repeat 20 times
5. Improves head posture

Exercise 4: Proper Swallow Training

1. Place water on tongue
2. Swallow using only tongue
3. No cheek movement
4. Practice 50 swallows daily
5. Makes proper swallow automatic

Combining Mewing with Other Techniques

Mewing + Face Yoga

• →Enhances muscle tone
• →Improves circulation
• →Accelerates results
• →5 minutes daily

Mewing + Gua Sha

• →Reduces puffiness
• →Improves lymphatic drainage
• →Defines features
• →Use 3x weekly

Mewing + Proper Nutrition

• →Reduce inflammation
• →Support bone health
• →Vitamin K2 + D3
• →Adequate protein

Mewing + Jaw Exercises

• →Complement tongue work
• →Build masseter muscles
• →Enhance definition
• →Moderate intensity only

Scientific Evidence and Studies

Supporting Research:

• →Stanford Study (2018): Tongue posture affects facial development
• →British Orthodontic Society: Recognizes orthotropic principles
• →Multiple Case Studies: Document successful adult changes

Skeptical Views:

• →Limited controlled studies
• →Individual variation high
• →Genetics play major role
• →Some orthodontists disagree

Bottom Line: Evidence suggests mewing helps, but isn't magic. Combine with overall health optimization.

Frequently Asked Questions

*Q: Can mewing fix my recessed chin?*

A: Yes, over time mewing can bring the maxilla and mandible forward, improving chin projection.

*Q: Will mewing make my face wider?*

A: It expands the palate, which can make the mid-face wider (attractive feature).

*Q: Can I mew with braces?*

A: Yes, but consult your orthodontist. Mewing can actually complement orthodontic treatment.

*Q: Why does mewing hurt?*

A: Initial muscle soreness is normal. Sharp pain means you're using too much force.

*Q: Can mewing fix asymmetry?*

A: Minor asymmetry yes, major skeletal asymmetry requires professional treatment.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

"I Can't Breathe While Mewing"

• →Build up gradually
• →Clear nasal passages first
• →May indicate narrow palate
• →Consider palate expander

"My Tongue Gets Tired"

• →Normal initially
• →Strength builds over weeks
• →Take breaks if needed
• →Use exercises to build endurance

"I See No Changes After 6 Months"

• →Document with precise photos
• →Check technique with video
• →Ensure 24/7 consistency
• →Consider hard mewing periods

The Complete Daily Mewing Routine

Morning (5 minutes)

1. Tongue stretches
2. Proper swallow practice
3. Chin tucks
4. Set posture for day

Hourly Check-ins

• →Quick posture assessment
• →Tongue position check
• →Breathing check
• →Swallow correctly

Evening (10 minutes)

1. Jaw massage
2. Tongue strengthening
3. Review daily consistency
4. Prepare for night mewing

Before Bed

1. Ensure nasal breathing
2. Apply mouth tape
3. Proper head position
4. Final tongue check

Your Mewing Action Plan

Week 1-2: Foundation

• →Master basic position
• →Practice hourly
• →Focus on daytime only
• →Document starting point

Week 3-4: Consistency

• →Achieve 50% daily consistency
• →Add exercises
• →Start meal-time mewing
• →Notice breathing improvements

Month 2-3: Advancement

• →80% consistency goal
• →Introduce night mewing
• →Add complementary techniques
• →First visible changes

Month 4+: Mastery

• →Automatic positioning
• →24/7 maintenance
• →Track monthly progress
• →Optimize with additions

Take Your Transformation Further

Mewing is just one piece of the looksmaxing puzzle. For maximum results, combine with:

• →Body fat optimization
• →Skincare routine
• →Proper nutrition
• →Exercise program
• →Stress management

*Ready for a complete transformation plan?*

Get Your Personalized Looksmaxing Strategy

Our AI analyzes your facial structure and creates a comprehensive plan including:

• →Custom mewing instructions
• →Complementary exercises
• →Timeline predictions
• →Progress tracking
• →Expert support

Start Your Analysis Now →

Conclusion

Mewing is the foundation of facial development. While results take time, the investment is worth it—you're literally reshaping your face for free, naturally, and permanently.

Start today. In one year, you'll wish you started sooner.

Medical Note: While mewing is generally safe, consult healthcare professionals if you have TMJ disorders, breathing issues, or other oral health concerns.

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