Mouth Taping & Mewing: What the Science Really Says

Social media is buzzing with claims about facial transformation through tongue exercises and mouth taping. Let's see what the research actually reveals.

How mouth tape for sleep & mewing became a wellness trend

Social media exploded with mouth-taping and mewing videos showing dramatic before-and-after transformations. Influencers claimed it would improve sleep quality, oral health and even reshape faces. The trend gained momentum, creating millions of views and viral content promising quick solutions. 

What is mouth taping and mewing?

Mouth taping involves placing tape over your lips before sleep to force nasal breathing. This viral wellness trend promises better sleep, reduced snoring, and even facial transformation.

Mewing is a technique where you press your tongue against the roof of your mouth to help define your jawline and improve your facial structure over time.

Is mouth taping for sleep safe?

Research tells a different story from social media hype. Scientists studied over 200 people trying mouth taping - only 2 out of 10 studies found any real improvement in sleep breathing. Most people saw zero difference compared to doing nothing at all. 

But is it dangerous to tape mouth at night? Some studies even pointed out possible mouth taping dangers, like asphyxiation (trouble breathing) if your nose is blocked.

Can mewing completely reshape your jawline?

You've seen the videos: people pressing their tongues to the roof of their mouth, promising it'll reshape their entire face. The reality? Researchers studied 90 people with different jaw shapes and found that tongue position barely affects your facial structure.

Your tongue posture has limited influence on overall facial bone structure, which is primarily determined by genetics and developmental factors.

Final thoughts: Should you try mouth tape or mewing?

Instead of chasing viral trends, try these proven approaches:

• See a sleep specialist if you have breathing issues

• Get your allergies treated if they're making you breathe through your mouth

• Talk to an orthodontist about real solutions

These techniques might help you become more aware of how you breathe or hold your mouth. Some people do report feeling better. But expecting a dramatic glow-up? The research just doesn't back it up.