Mississauga and Oakville Pain Clinic offering chiropractic, physiotherapy, massage therapy and orthotic services to residents of Churchill Meadows InMississauga
Mississauga and Oakville Pain Clinic offering chiropractic, physiotherapy, massage therapy and orthotic services to residents of Churchill Meadows InMississauga
I first came across the term “mewing” while flipping through an article in The Globe and Mail, and my initial reaction was one of confusion—”Mewing? Is this some kind of new cat behavior I need to learn about?” But as I continued reading, it became clear that this viral TikTok trend had nothing to do with our feline friends and everything to do with something far more concerning. With back-to-school season in full swing, it’s essential for parents to be aware of this latest trend that’s captivating their kids—and not in a good way.
Mewing, which involves pressing the tongue firmly against the roof of the mouth in an effort to sculpt a sharper jawline, has gained widespread popularity, particularly among young boys. This technique is a part of a broader movement known as “looksmaxxing,” where individuals strive to enhance their appearance to meet often unrealistic societal beauty standards. The allure of a more defined jawline has driven teens to adopt this practice, believing it will help them achieve a bolder, more conventionally attractive facial profile.
On the surface, this might seem like just another harmless social media trend—perhaps even a bit amusing. However, there’s a darker side to this story. The intense focus on achieving a chiseled jawline is pushing young people toward methods that could have serious, long-term repercussions. From a chiropractic perspective, the repeated and unnatural pressure placed on the jaw through mewing could lead to a host of problems, including jaw misalignment, chronic discomfort, and even the development of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. These conditions can result in persistent pain, frequent headaches, and difficulties with essential activities like chewing and speaking.
But the concerns don’t stop there. Mewing isn’t just a trend—it’s part of a larger, more troubling online phenomenon. There are even so-called “schools” like Mogwarts, where young people can pay for advice and tips on how to perfect their jawline through mewing and other dubious techniques. These platforms capitalize on the insecurities of their young audience, promising results that lack any credible scientific backing. The rise of products like Stronger Gum and Jawliner, which claim to reshape the face with just a few weeks of use, further illustrates how this trend is being commercialized, despite the potential harm it poses.
What’s particularly alarming is the spread of misinformation surrounding mewing. Despite the lack of evidence supporting its effectiveness, the trend continues to gain traction, driven by the pressures of social media and the desire for instant, visible results. For parents, this poses a significant challenge, especially as their children head back to school and are once again immersed in peer influence and social media. Simply restricting access to phones or the internet isn’t enough; what’s needed are open, honest conversations that address the underlying insecurities driving these behaviors.
While the desire to improve one’s appearance is nothing new, the methods young people are using today—like mewing—are cause for concern. As a chiropractor, I see the potential health risks associated with these trends, and it’s crucial to raise awareness among parents and educators. Encouraging a focus on overall well-being rather than chasing superficial beauty standards can help protect the physical and mental health of our younger generation as they navigate this new school year.
