Dr. Mike Mew, a controversial British orthodontist, has been at the center of this conflict, advocating a technique that he calls “mewing.” This technique was first introduced by his father Dr. John Mew. Its goal is to straighten teeth, augment cheekbones, create more chiseled jawlines, and even straighten noses — all without surgery. Our friend, Mike Mew’s, jaw – extra ordinary! He energetically promotes this practice via viral YouTube videos and social media consultations, asserting that it has the power to totally transform one’s facial aesthetics.
Mewing is based on the practice of orthotropics. British orthodontist John Mew originated this concept to explain how facial bones are supposed to properly grow. As orthodontist Mike Mew would say, blocked noses aren’t normal. He argues that this forces many children to become mouth-breathers, setting off an epidemic of dental and health problems. He argues that many common ailments, including jaw joint problems, tinnitus, sinusitis, and even ADHD, stem from improper oral posture and alignment.
When British orthodontist Dr. Mike Mew’s practice started appearing in headlines in 2017, it was under fire. The General Dental Council (GDC) opened a complaint against him. He says this ordeal destroyed his business, family and mental health. Despite the challenges he faced, Mew remains undeterred in his mission to spread awareness about mewing, making onerous demands of his disciples regarding optimal posture and lifestyle habits.
Mew’s workspace reflects his commitment to health. He utilizes an adjustable desk equipped with a digital scale that monitors its height and an alarm that rings every three hours to remind him to stand up. This commitment to health translates to his patients, too. Mew’s new clinic exclusively serves children under 12 years old. He’s gotten a lot of questions from millennials looking to get the lowdown on mewing.
Mew’s most recent telehealth session matched him with a mother and her three school-age children in Houston, Texas. To the same end, he bolstered his longtime contention that young patients can benefit from his techniques. Pediatric dentist Dr. Larry Wolfberg recently told us that more parents than ever are realizing how serious malocclusion—crooked teeth—is for their kids’ health.
Dr. Mew’s father had a tremendous influence on orthodontic practices around the globe. He pioneered the use of “bioblocs,” revolutionary devices that broadened palates and encouraged optimal facial development. This family legacy and experience with the damage it can cause drives Mike’s passion for orthotropics and the difference it can make.
Mew has been an outspoken advocate for a debate on the causes of malocclusion. Since 2009, he’s been busy writing to dental journals to raise the alarm. He discusses why it’s critical we start to integrate these concepts in contemporary dentistry.
“I stand by those statements. I would love to argue these points with someone. I want to go as close to the line as I can to provoke a discussion.” – Mike Mew
In his advocacy against dental health crises, Mew points to the growing crisis of sleep apnea. He further talks about other issues that arise as a result of “bad oral posture.”
“You can see malocclusions going up like this. You can see sleep apnoea going up like this.” – Mike Mew
His argument is that the way we’ve been treating people might be too focused on symptoms and not enough on the deeper issues.
“It’s rearranging deckchairs on the Titanic: it looks nice, but does anyone notice the deck is starting to tilt? We’re treating almost certainly over half the children in the developed world.” – Mike Mew
Despite facing significant professional hurdles, including an appeal against GDC rulings scheduled for consideration in the summer, Mike Mew continues to promote mewing as an alternative approach to enhancing physical appearance and health.
“Maybe I’m wrong. Please prove me wrong! Please prove anything I’ve said wrong.” – Mike Mew
Through his advocacy for mewing and orthotropics, Dr. Mike Mew remains a polarizing figure in contemporary dentistry, appealing to those who seek natural solutions for their dental concerns while drawing criticism from traditionalists within the field.