Learn How to Mew Correctly

A simple, science-informed guide to proper tongue posture, facial alignment, and breathing techniques.

Mewing promotes healthier facial structure, breathing, and oral habits. Learn how to do it safely.


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What Mewing Actually Is

Definition

Mewing is the practice of maintaining correct tongue posture—keeping the entire tongue pressed lightly to the roof of your mouth—to support proper facial structure, jaw alignment, and nasal breathing.

Key Principles

  • Tongue-to-palate contact (front, middle, and back)
  • Mouth closed
  • Teeth lightly touching or close together
  • Nasal breathing only
  • Good body posture (spine + neck alignment)

Important Clarification

Mewing is not a miracle cure or a guaranteed reconstructive method. It is a posture and breathing technique. Consistency is key, and results vary based on age and genetics.

How to Mew: Step-By-Step

Step 1

Correct Tongue Placement

You are looking for full tongue contact, not just the tip.

  • Tip of the tongue rests behind the upper front teeth (not touching them).
  • Middle of the tongue presses gently upward.
  • The back third of the tongue should be raised too—this is the hardest part for beginners.
Step 2

Close Your Lips

Your lips should touch lightly without forcing them or pursing them tightly.

Step 3

Keep Teeth Lightly Together

Not clenched—just lightly touching or hovering close to one another (the "butterfly touch").

Step 4

Breathe Through Your Nose

Nasal breathing supports tongue posture, nitric oxide production, and general airway health. Do not mouth breathe.

Step 5

Maintain Body Posture

Your head shouldn’t crane forward ("nerd neck"). Ensure ears are stacked over shoulders and chin is slightly tucked.

Signs You Are Doing It Right

  • Tongue feels "suctioned" upwards against the palate
  • Jaw feels lightly supported
  • Neck muscles relax
  • You can breathe comfortably through your nose

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Only pressing the tip: The back third of the tongue is crucial.
  • Clenching the jaw: This can lead to TMJ pain. Keep teeth light.
  • Shoving too hard: Hard mewing is dangerous. Focus on suction, not pressure.
  • Mouth breathing: This negates the effects of the posture.
  • Forward head posture: Leaning the head forward creates neck strain.

Benefits

Short-Term (0–3 months):
Improved nasal breathing, stronger oral posture awareness, reduced mouth breathing.

Long-Term (6–24+ months):
Better jawline definition (if body fat is low), more forward tongue posture, improved swallowing patterns, and potential reduction of TMJ strain.

Realistic Expectations

The Reality: Changes are slow and subtle.

Who sees change? Younger people (teens) have the most moldable bone structure. Adults may see soft tissue changes and better definition due to muscle tone, but bone remodeling is limited.

Simple Practice Exercises

1. Tongue Suction Hold

Lift your entire tongue to the palate and swallow. Feel the "suctioned" position after the swallow—hold that.

2. The "NG" Sound

Say "Sing" or "King" and hold the "NG" sound. Notice the back of your tongue lifting? Keep it there.

Safety Considerations

Do not push too hard. Mewing should never cause pain.

If you have TMJ pain, consult a doctor before practicing.

Chronic nasal blockage should be addressed medically—mewing depends on nasal breathing.

If you have severe malocclusion, mewing helps posture but does not replace orthodontics.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does mewing take to work?
Most people see habit changes within weeks; structural changes (if any) take months to years. It is a long-term lifestyle change, not a quick fix.
Can adults change their face with mewing?
Changes are usually mild. Posture improvements are more noticeable than actual bone remodeling in adults.
Can mewing fix a receding chin?
Not significantly. While better posture can make the chin look stronger, orthodontics or surgery are the only treatments for large structural issues.
Should mewing hurt?
No. If you feel pain, you’re pressing too hard or using the wrong muscles. Relax your jaw.
How many hours a day should I mew?
Mewing is meant to be your all-day resting posture. Just like standing up straight, you should aim to do it whenever you aren't eating or speaking.