Every day we are seeing new trends on TikTok, some of them serve us and we use them in our daily life, some others we save but never do and some are just not for us. You may have seen the #mewing hashtag floating around recently, which has garnered nearly 1.9 billion views and is making a name for itself.

TikTok users rave that this trend can make the jaw area look defined, completely changing the face. Two experts have spoken about this: Victoria Veytsman, who heads "Cosmetic Dental Studios" and Lauren Becker, founder of "Lauren Becker General and Cosmetic Dentistry".
 
What is 'mewing'?
 
Besides being the latest trend on TikTok, 'mewing' is otherwise known as the practice of placing your tongue on the roof of your mouth in order to slightly alter your facial features. TikTok and YouTube users have claimed that the technique makes their jaws look narrower and more defined, but it goes beyond aesthetics, solving issues such as: sleep apnea, mouth breathing, and has even helped them with somewhat fixed the misalignment of the teeth.
 
How can you do it?
 
One of the reasons why 'mewing' is so popular on TikTok is because the practice is very simple and "promises" quick results. If you haven't tried it yet, here's how you can do it:
 
Step 1 – Relax your mouth, so that your teeth and lips touch.
Step 2 – Close your lips and bring your teeth together, simultaneously lift your tongue and place it on the palate.
Step 3 – Keep your tongue in this position as long as possible, throughout the day if possible, even while sleeping.
 
Does it work?
 
Regardless of what you see on TikTok, Dr. Becker says there is no evidence that this technique works. For this, Dr. Veytsman agrees, adding, "Currently, there are no results that have proven that 'mewing' can redefine the face or straighten teeth."
 
Plus, people who claim to have gotten quick results from mewing have actually been trying it for years, so it's by no means a quick fix. Dr. Becker suggests that if you have a problem with your teeth, or are going to change something about your jaw structure, contact your dentist.
 
The "dangers" of 'mewing'
 
The biggest danger associated with this technique is that patients do not receive the proper and necessary care from their dentist. While Dr. Becker and Dr. Veytsman agree that there is no real harm in tongue positioning, they note that if someone has a serious problem with the bite, or even a problem with sleep apnea, a doctor and dentist should be consulted. "There are faster and more effective methods than these things," says Dr. Veytsman.
 
What do you try instead of 'mewing'?
 
If you are trying to find a way to define the area around the jawline, consult a dermatologist for treatments that tighten this area, as regular techniques such as facial massage or gua sha help define the jawline.