Mewing and Your Teeth: What Dentists Say in Canada
Mewing is all over social media. It promises a sharper jawline, better breathing, and even straighter teeth by changing tongue posture. But what’s real, what’s risky, and what actually works for Canadians hoping to improve their smile and airway health?
Does mewing change your jawline or straighten teeth?
For most adults, mewing alone won’t move teeth or reshape jaw bones. Good tongue posture and nasal breathing can support oral health, but orthodontic treatment moves teeth, and surgery corrects significant jaw issues. Kids may benefit when therapy is guided by trained clinicians.
What is mewing, in plain language?
Mewing is a set of habits: resting your tongue against the roof of the mouth, keeping lips closed, breathing through your nose, and relaxing your jaw. Supporters say this posture can shape the face and teeth. Dentists agree that nose-breathing and gentle tongue posture are healthy—especially for dry mouth and snoring—but claims of dramatic bone changes in adults aren’t backed by strong evidence.
What does the science say for adults vs kids?
Adults
By adulthood, your facial bones have mostly finished growing. Tongue posture won’t reliably move adult bone or teeth. You might notice small changes in how your face looks (better head and neck posture, less mouth-breathing), but it’s not a substitute for orthodontics.
Children and teens
In growing patients, muscle habits matter more. Mouth-breathing, tongue-thrust swallowing, and low tongue posture can contribute to narrow arches or an open bite. This is where orofacial myofunctional therapy (guided tongue and lip exercises) may help as part of a broader plan with a pediatric dentist or orthodontist.
Where tongue-posture therapy can help
Therapy can support kids who mouth‑breathe, struggle with nasal allergies, or have tongue‑thrust swallowing. It can also help adults reduce dry mouth and snoring by encouraging nasal breathing. But it’s most effective when paired with the right diagnosis and, if needed, orthodontic care—because only braces or aligners physically move teeth. If snoring or tiredness is part of your story, learn how airway issues intersect with dental health in our guide to sleep apnea and oral health.
What actually changes tooth position—and your bite
Only tooth‑moving forces change tooth position. That means braces or clear aligners, sometimes with expanders or other appliances. Significant jaw discrepancies may require jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) after careful planning with an orthodontist and surgeon. If your goal is a healthier bite and a confident smile, see the proven options in orthodontic treatment.
Potential risks of DIY mewing
- Jaw pain or headaches: Forcing the jaw closed or clenching the tongue can strain the chewing muscles and joints.
- Tooth wear or gum recession: Extra clenching increases wear and may irritate gums.
- Delayed treatment: Relying on unproven methods can postpone care that actually works, like aligners, expanders, or airway management.
Bottom line: gentle, relaxed tongue posture is fine; forceful pushing is not.
Safe resting posture you can try today
- Tongue: Rest the whole tongue gently on the palate; the tip sits behind (not on) the front teeth.
- Jaw: Keep teeth slightly apart when resting; avoid clenching.
- Lips: Closed, without strain.
- Breathing: Through your nose; if you can’t, talk to your dentist or physician about congestion or allergies.
Could your bite be the real issue?
Many people who try mewing are really noticing bite problems: crowding, an overbite or underbite, or an open bite. These patterns are best assessed by a dentist or orthodontist. If you see wear on edges, gums that are receding, or teeth that don’t meet evenly, learn how these patterns develop in our overview of overbites and underbites.
Nasal breathing, sleep, and your mouth
Nasal breathing supports saliva’s protective roles and may reduce dry mouth (a common cause of cavities and bad breath). If you’re mouth‑breathing at night, it’s worth asking why. Allergies, a deviated septum, enlarged tonsils, or sleep apnea can all play a role. Self‑taping your mouth at night isn’t safe for everyone, especially if sleep apnea is suspected; talk to your dentist or doctor first.
“Oral health is a key indicator of overall health, well‑being and quality of life.” — World Health Organization
Globally, oral diseases affect billions of people. A healthy airway, stable bite, and easy‑to‑maintain hygiene routine are the foundations of a long‑lasting smile—trend or no trend.
When to consider myofunctional therapy
Ask your dentist about therapy if you or your child has any of the following:
- Chronic mouth‑breathing or snoring
- Tongue‑thrust swallowing, especially with an open bite
- Speech concerns linked to tongue mobility
- Difficulty keeping lips together at rest
Therapy works best alongside treatment that addresses the root cause—like orthodontics for crowding, allergy care for congestion, or sleep‑medicine support for airway issues.
A practical plan if you’re curious about mewing
- Get a dental exam first: Rule out cavities, gum disease, clenching, and bite problems that need treatment.
- Screen your airway: If you snore, wake tired, or breathe mainly through your mouth, ask about sleep screening or ENT referral.
- Adopt gentle posture: Try the safe resting position above. No forcing. No clenching.
- Address nasal issues: Consider saline rinses, allergy management, or medical care for nasal blockage.
- Use evidence‑based tools: Orthodontics changes tooth position; myofunctional therapy supports healthy habits; regular cleanings keep gums healthy.
Canadian considerations
Across Canada, orthodontists and dentists follow evidence‑based care. If you’re weighing aligners vs braces, ask for a full bite analysis, photos, and a written plan. Many clinics offer payment options, and some private insurance plans include orthodontic benefits. Your first step is a consultation—bring your questions and your goals.
Conclusion
Mewing taps into something real: how we breathe and rest our tongue can support oral health. But big structural change in adults needs orthodontics, and kids do best with professional guidance. Focus on safe habits, a proper diagnosis, and proven treatments. That’s how you protect your airway, your bite, and your smile—for good.
FAQ
Can mewing straighten my teeth?
No. Tongue posture can support healthy breathing and swallowing, but only braces or aligners move teeth. Significant jaw issues may need surgery after orthodontic planning.
Is mewing safe for kids?
Gentle tongue‑posture coaching can help some growing children, but it should be supervised by a dentist, orthodontist, or trained therapist—especially if there’s mouth‑breathing, speech concerns, or an open bite.
How long before mewing shows results?
If you’re expecting a new jawline or straight teeth, you’ll likely be disappointed. Some people notice less mouth‑breathing or dry mouth within weeks if they address nasal issues and posture—but tooth and bone position won’t change from mewing alone.
Can mewing fix an overbite or underbite?
No. Those are bite problems that need orthodontic treatment (and sometimes jaw surgery). A dentist or orthodontist can assess your bite and recommend the right plan.
Does tongue posture help with snoring?
Healthy nasal breathing and relaxed tongue posture may reduce snoring for some people, but snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea. Don’t self‑treat with mouth taping—get medical screening if you’re concerned.
Who should I see to get started?
Begin with your dentist or an orthodontist for a bite and airway review. They may coordinate with a myofunctional therapist, ENT, or sleep specialist if needed. An evidence‑based team will match your goals to safe, effective care.
