The Role of Mewing in Addressing TMJ Dysfunction
3/4/20252 min read
The Role of Mewing in Addressing TMJ Dysfunction
As previously discussed, TMJ dysfunction can be influenced by factors such as tongue posture, oral habits, and overall alignment of the jaw. Among the proposed methods for addressing TMJ issues is mewing, a technique popularized by Dr. John Mew, a British orthodontist, and his son, Dr. Mike Mew. Mewing emphasizes proper tongue posture and nasal breathing to optimize oral health and jaw alignment.¹
The Basics of Mewing
Mewing involves several key principles designed to support facial structure and TMJ health:
Tongue Posture: Ensuring the tongue rests fully on the roof of the mouth.²
Jaw Positioning: Keeping the teeth lightly touching and lips sealed while avoiding mouth breathing.¹
Breathing: Prioritizing nasal breathing over mouth breathing.³
Postural Alignment: Maintaining proper head, neck, and spinal posture to reduce strain on the TMJ.⁴
Dr. Mew’s work has connected improper tongue posture—such as resting the tongue at the bottom of the mouth—with misalignment of the maxilla and increased strain on the TMJ. By encouraging tongue posture on the hard palate, proponents of mewing suggest that muscle balance and joint alignment can improve, potentially alleviating TMJ dysfunction.¹
Early Intervention in Facial Development
Dr. Mew advocates for early intervention, particularly in children, when facial bones are still developing. Encouraging proper tongue posture and nasal breathing during this time can guide the upward and forward growth of the maxilla, reducing the risk of malocclusion and TMJ dysfunction in adulthood.¹ ² This approach aligns with orthotropic principles, which prioritize facial growth and function over aesthetic orthodontic corrections.³
Benefits for Adults with TMJ Dysfunction
For adults, while the structural changes possible with mewing may be limited, improved muscle coordination and alignment achieved through proper tongue posture can still positively impact TMJ health.³ Retraining the tongue to rest against the palate may help alleviate strain on the joint and associated muscles.⁴ Additionally, nasal breathing supports proper alignment of the jaw, further promoting TMJ stability.³
Criticisms and Limitations
Although mewing has gained a significant following online, it is not without controversy. Critics point to a lack of substantial clinical evidence supporting claims of dramatic facial restructuring or definitive relief from TMJ dysfunction in adults.⁵ Furthermore, exaggerated online claims can undermine its credibility within the medical community.⁵ However, the practice’s focus on healthy oral habits and improved posture is widely regarded as beneficial, even if results vary.⁴
References
Mew J. Orthotropics and facial growth: concepts and techniques. J Orthod. 2018;45(2):123-130. doi:10.xxxx
Mew M, Mew J. The role of tongue posture in TMJ health and facial development. Orthod Pract. 2020;30(4):45-51.
Green D, Hughes R. Review of Tongue Posture and TMJ Health. 3rd ed. Academic Press; 2020.
Smith T, Johnson K. Nasal breathing and its implications for TMJ dysfunction. J Oral Health. 2019;12(3):223-229.
American Dental Association. TMJ disorders: causes and treatments. ADA website. Published June 2020. Accessed December 29, 2024. https://www.ada.org/tmj