Before we dive into when mewing was invented, it’s important to know what mewing is. Mewing is a technique where you position your tongue on the roof of your mouth to improve facial structure, breathing, and even speech. People believe that by practicing mewing, you can achieve a more defined jawline and better posture. The idea is that by keeping your tongue in a certain position, your facial bones will shift over time.
When Was Mewing Invented?
Mewing was actually invented in the 1970s. Yes, it’s not as recent as many people think! The practice was introduced by a British orthodontist named Dr. John Mew. Dr. Mew had a unique approach to orthodontics and believed that facial structure was closely tied to the position of the tongue. He thought that modern orthodontic treatments, like braces, focused too much on straightening teeth rather than addressing the root causes of facial and dental problems. According to Dr. Mew, proper tongue posture could influence facial development and help with common issues like crooked teeth and poor jaw alignment.
The Role of Dr. John Mew
Dr. John Mew’s ideas were considered very different from traditional orthodontics, which is why many of his peers didn’t agree with him at first. Dr. Mew’s work wasn’t just about straightening teeth—it was about changing the way people’s faces grew. He believed that having your tongue in the right position could affect the way your jaw grows, which could help prevent the need for braces or surgery later in life.
While Dr. Mew introduced the concept, it took several years for mewing to gain attention. The internet and social media played a huge role in popularizing mewing. But make no mistake, the origins of mewing go back to Dr. John Mew’s research and practice.
How Mewing Gained Popularity
Although mewing was invented in the 1970s, it didn’t become a trend until much later. Around the 2010s, the idea started gaining traction on platforms like YouTube, Reddit, and Instagram. People began sharing their experiences and results after practicing mewing, which led to a surge in interest.
Some influencers and fitness experts began promoting mewing as a natural way to improve your appearance. Videos and articles about mewing went viral, and soon, thousands of people were trying it out for themselves. Despite the sudden rise in popularity, it’s important to remember that mewing isn’t a quick fix. It takes time, patience, and consistent practice.
Is Mewing Backed by Science?
One question many people have is whether mewing is backed by science. The short answer is that there’s still some debate. While Dr. Mew’s ideas have sparked interest, not all orthodontists agree with him. Some believe that while mewing can help with tongue posture, it’s unlikely to dramatically change your facial structure unless you start practicing it from a very young age.
However, there are plenty of anecdotal stories from people who have claimed that mewing has worked for them. These personal experiences have fueled the movement, even though more scientific research is needed to fully understand how effective it is.
Why Is Mewing So Popular Today?
Mewing has become popular for several reasons. First, it promises a natural way to improve your appearance without the need for surgery or orthodontic work. Many people like the idea of achieving a better jawline or facial symmetry simply by adjusting their tongue position.
Second, the rise of social media has allowed people to share their experiences and results instantly. When people see before-and-after photos or hear about others’ success with mewing, they are more likely to try it out themselves. This has created a snowball effect, where more and more people are talking about and practicing mewing.
How to Practice Mewing
If you’re curious about mewing and want to try it, here’s a simple guide on how to start. Mewing is all about keeping your tongue on the roof of your mouth, just behind your front teeth. Here’s how you can do it:
- Close your mouth and make sure your teeth are lightly touching. Don’t clench them.
- Place your tongue flat against the roof of your mouth. Make sure the entire tongue is in contact, not just the tip.
- Breathe through your nose, as breathing through your mouth can disrupt the tongue position.
- Hold the position as long as possible throughout the day.
Consistency is key. While it might feel strange at first, over time, it will become more natural.
Mewing for Kids vs. Adults
One common question is whether mewing works better for kids than adults. Since children’s bones are still growing and developing, mewing might have more noticeable effects on them. For adults, the process is slower because the bones are already set. However, some adults still report improvements in their jawline, posture, and breathing after practicing mewing for several months or even years.
Conclusion
So, when was mewing invented? The practice of mewing started back in the 1970s by Dr. John Mew, a British orthodontist who believed that proper tongue posture could influence facial development. While mewing has only recently gained widespread popularity, its origins are rooted in Dr. Mew’s decades-old research. Whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, there’s no denying that mewing has become a major trend in recent years. If you’re curious about trying it, remember that it requires patience and consistency to see any real results.
