@williamli Reply to @itsjeremiah.w TUTORIAL ON MOWING IN 3 STEPS #meow #jaw part #Tutorial
- Mewing is the latest beauty trend taking social media by storm.
- TikTok and YouTube users claim that the technique can help reshape a person’s jaw, among other things.
- We consulted with two experts to find out if mewing actually works and what treatments to try instead.
Another day, another beauty trend, we’re here to help you unravel it. The newest? “Mewing,” a new beauty craze that’s taken over TikTok and YouTube. The hashtag #mewing has 1.9 billion views and counting on TikTok alone, and users on the platform claim that practicing the technique has helped define their jaw lines and even completely reshape their faces. However, we haven’t forgotten when everyone on the app was saying that hemorrhoid cream could get rid of bags under the eyes or that filing teeth is far from a bad idea, so we’re approaching this latest declaration with as much skepticism as curiosity.
In advance, we consult with two experts — Victoria VeytsmanDDS, leader of Cosmetic dental studiosand Lauren BeckerDDS, from Lauren Becker DDS – to answer all of our burning questions about Mewing, such as what it is, how to do it, and if it actually works as intended.
What is mewing?
Aside from being the latest fad to take TikTok by storm, meowing, also known as orthotropy, is the practice of resting your tongue on the roof of your mouth to reshape your facial features. Users on platforms like TikTok and YouTube have even claimed that the practice not only gives them tighter, more defined jaws, but goes beyond aesthetics, even helping them resolve issues like sleep apnea, mouth breathing, and even crooked teeth.
The viral technique takes its name from John Mew, an orthodontist credited with coining the term orthotropia; However, there has been some controversy surrounding its practices. Its approval was revoked by the General Dental Council in 2017, pursuant to an article from the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, was based on “reasons of misconduct for publicly denigrating the traditional practices of orthodontic tooth movement in conjunction with exodontia and orthognathic surgery as a treatment for malocclusion”. dr John Mew’s son, Michael Mew, who is also an orthodontist, is is currently facing a misconduct hearing at the General Dental Council in London in connection with his own orthotropic practices. (We reached out to Dr. Michael Mew for comment and will update this post when we receive feedback.)
How do you meow?
One reason mewing might be so popular is that the practice is so simple but promises big results (more on that later). If you want to try meowing for yourself, the process is simple and essentially just involves repositioning where your tongue rests.
Step one: Begin by relaxing your mouth so that your lips and teeth are touching.
Step two: Next, keep your lips and teeth together as you lift your tongue and press lightly against the roof of your mouth.
Step three: Maintain this tongue position whenever possible throughout the day and even while you sleep.
Does mewing work?
Despite what people on TikTok might tell you, Dr. Becker that there is little to no evidence that the meow works, and Dr. Veytsman agrees, adding, “There are currently no proven results of meowing or evidence from experts in the field that meowing can reshape your face or straighten teeth.”
Also, those who claim to have seen results from mewing have usually been practicing the technique for years, so it’s not a quick fix. dr Becker suggests consulting your dentist if you’re interested in changing anything about your mouth or jaw structure.
What are the risks of mewing?
The biggest risk associated with meowing is that patients do not receive the care they need from their dentist. Both Dr. Becker and Dr. Veytsman agree that there’s no real harm in adjusting the position of your tongue, but they do point out that if someone has a serious problem with their bite or a problem like sleep apnea is, you should see your dentist or doctor always the best way. “There are faster and more effective ways to do these things,” says Dr. Veytsman.
What to try instead of meowing
If you’re looking for a way to tone the area around your jaw and have decided that mewing isn’t a viable option, don’t worry – there are other avenues you can take. For a more permanent solution, consult your dermatologist about in-office skin tightening treatments. Otherwise, regular facial massage techniques can help; People swear by tools like the Gua Sha to redefine the contours of the face, as well as at-home products (like the Jaw Bra) to tighten the area.
