Do you struggle with jaw pain, clicking, or tightness? You might have Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD), a condition that affects the jaw joint and surrounding muscles.
While treatments like physiotherapy, dental care, and posture correction can help, a technique called mewing has gained attention as a possible way to improve jaw alignment.
But can mewing really help with TMD, or could it make things worse? Let's explore what mewing is, how it works, and whether it's safe for people with jaw pain.
What is Mewing?
Mewing is a technique that focuses on proper tongue posture to encourage natural orofacial development. Developed by Dr. John Mew and his son, Dr. Mike Mew, it is based on the idea that how we hold our tongue, breathe, and position our jaw can impact facial structure over time.
The Core Principles of Mewing:
✅ Keeping the tongue pressed against the roof of the mouth
✅ Breathing through the nose, not the mouth
✅ Maintaining a closed-lip posture
✅ Ensuring the jaw stays in a natural, balanced position
Proponents believe that over time, mewing can improve facial structure, enhance breathing, and promote better jaw alignment. However, when it comes to TMD, the relationship between mewing and jaw health is more complex.
Examples of Mewing Exercises
Here are some mewing exercises:
Basic Tongue Posture Exercise – Keep the entire tongue pressed against the roof of the mouth, including the back portion, while maintaining nasal breathing.
Swallowing Practice – When swallowing, ensure the tongue remains in contact with the palate and avoid excessively engaging the cheek and jaw muscles.
Tongue Chewing – Chew food thoroughly while keeping the tongue engaged with the roof of the mouth, which helps strengthen tongue posture.
Mealtime Posture Awareness – While eating, practice keeping the lips sealed, breathing through the nose, and chewing evenly on both sides of the mouth.
Abs Walking Exercise – Engage the core muscles while walking and maintain proper tongue posture to reinforce alignment and postural balance.
Mewing and TMD: The Connection
TMD can result from jaw misalignment, muscle tension, stress, or postural imbalances. Since mewing promotes proper tongue posture and nasal breathing, it may help improve jaw positioning. However, for those already suffering from TMD, mewing can sometimes do more harm than good.
Potential Benefits of Mewing for TMD:
✔️ Encourages Proper Jaw Alignment – Maintaining correct tongue posture may help reduce jaw strain.
✔️ Supports Orofacial Development – Good tongue posture may contribute to improved facial symmetry and bite alignment.
✔️ Reduces Mouth Breathing – Nasal breathing decreases stress on the jaw, unlike mouth breathing, which can worsen jaw tension.
✔️ May Help Prevent TMD in the Long Run – If practised early, mewing might reduce the risk of developing TMD-related issues.
Risks of Mewing for TMD Patients:
⚠️ Can Worsen Symptoms – If your jaw muscles are already overworked, excessive tongue pressure might increase pain and stiffness.
⚠️ Not a Standalone Treatment – Mewing is not a replacement for physiotherapy, dental care, or professional TMD treatment.
⚠️ Technique Matters – Incorrect mewing (e.g., forcing the tongue too hard against the palate) can strain jaw muscles and worsen misalignment.
Should TMD Patients Try Mewing?
If you’re currently dealing with jaw pain, clicking, or tension, here are a few things to consider before trying mewing:
1️⃣ Get a Professional Assessment
Not all TMD cases are the same. A TMD specialist, physiotherapist, or myofunctional therapist can help determine if mewing is right for you.
2️⃣ Address Existing Pain First
Before experimenting with tongue posture techniques, it's crucial to reduce muscle tightness and inflammation through manual therapy, dry needling, or laser therapy.
3️⃣ Check for a Tongue Tie
A restricted tongue can make proper mewing difficult or even harmful. If you suspect a tongue tie, consult a myofunctional therapist for an evaluation.
4️⃣ Start Slowly & Mindfully
If you get the go-ahead from a professional, ease into mewing gently rather than forcing it. Focus on relaxed tongue posture rather than excessive pressure.
Final Thoughts: Should You Mew for TMD?
Mewing may support jaw alignment and facial development over time, but it can be risky for those already dealing with TMD without proper guidance. Instead of trying to "fix" TMD with mewing alone, it's best to work with a specialist to manage symptoms first.
If you’re struggling with jaw pain, tightness, or clicking, we’re here to help. At Dental Physiotherapy with Lorraine Carroll & Simon Coghlan, we specialise in evidence-based hands-on treatments for TMD, including manual therapy, dry needling, acupuncture, and laser therapy. We also help our patients make the often necessary lifestyle and habit changes that can help prevent TMD recurrence.
📞 Ready to Find Relief? Contact Us Today
📍 Location: Suite 2, 24-26 Gloucester Road, Buderim, Sunshine Coast
📞 Call: 07 3532 8605
🌐 Visit: www.lcscphysiotherapy.com.au
📅 Book Online: Click here to book
By Lorraine
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