Cover Photo of a male model for illustrative purposes only (Photo: Cottonbro Studio/Pexels)
Photo of a male model for illustrative purposes only (Photo: Cottonbro Studio/Pexels)
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The origins, facts and myths of mewing—the viral trend that claims to redefine jawlines and facial aesthetics without costly procedures
In a corner of TikTok, a jawline sculpting technique has taken the social media platform by storm, amassing over 10 billion views to date. Few beauty trends have captured the imagination quite like “mewing”—a trend that highlights the intersection of alternative health practices, social media influence, and the growing interest in non-traditional approaches to facial aesthetics and orthodontics. But what exactly is mewing, and why has it become such a sensation?
Mewing is a technique derived from the work of Dr. John Mew, a British orthodontist in his 90s. Since the late 1970s, John Mew and his son Mike have been advocating for orthotropics, an alternative approach to traditional orthodontic treatments like braces and tooth extractions. This practice focuses on improving oral posture through specific positioning of the tongue, teeth, and lips. The method involves placing the tongue against the roof of the mouth, aligning the teeth, and closing the lips. Advocates of mewing suggest that consistent practice can lead to changes in jawline shape and overall facial aesthetics.
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While the technique has gained popularity, particularly on social media platforms, it remains a topic of debate among medical experts. The orthodontics profession has largely rejected their approach. Many healthcare professionals point out the lack of substantial scientific evidence supporting the purported benefits of mewing.
The viral rise on TikTok
@drzmackie All about Mewing! #tiktokpartner #learnontiktok #mewing #tongues #dentist intro vid: @imjustinschmidt ♬ original sound - Your TikTok Dentist
Mewing’s surge in popularity can be attributed to its viral spread on TikTok. The social media platform, characterised by brief and captivating video content, has become a hub for beauty trends and techniques. Content creators with defined jawlines showcase their mewing practices, suggesting that followers can achieve comparable outcomes through consistent application. The visual nature of TikTok is particularly effective for displaying before-and-after comparisons, which are both engaging and persuasive to viewers. These transformations, presented in a concise and visually appealing format, have significantly contributed to the widespread adoption of mewing as a facial enhancement technique.
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The influence of digital trends on real-world beauty standards
@teresakayenewman What is the “mewing” gesture, why are students mewing their teachers, and why is it harmful and disruptive to the learning environment? #teacher ♬ original sound - Newman Music Academy
Mewing’s influence has expanded beyond online communities, affecting broader beauty standards. This technique, which aims to enhance jawline definition, has gained popularity due to its accessibility. Unlike surgical procedures or costly treatments, mewing requires no financial investment, making it an attractive option for individuals seeking subtle facial improvements. This trend represents a significant shift in the beauty industry, as it democratises access to aesthetic enhancements. By providing a cost-free alternative to traditional methods, mewing challenges the established norms of the beauty sector and its traditional gatekeepers. The widespread adoption of this technique illustrates a growing movement towards more accessible and natural approaches to facial aesthetics.
The future of mewing and beauty trends
@prof.mew Mewing worked for me! 🤐 #mewing #face #johnmew #orthodontist ♬ original sound - Prof Mew
Digital platforms will continue shaping beauty standards. Trends like mewing show social media’s power to popularise beauty hacks, but underscore the need for critical examination of content. By understanding its origins, assessing claims critically, and embracing balance, we can navigate beauty with confidence and clarity.
This article/explainer was assisted by AI. We are dedicated to bringing you into our world with more meaningful content, and AI is allowing us to explore this frontier and deliver more content you will love.
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