Are Jaw Exercises Bad For Your Teeth?

Before getting into further details, let’s explore some of the techniques that are commonly used these days to achieve a sharp jawline. One of them is called mewing, an exercise that involves flattening the tongue against the roof of the mouth. This exercise gained wide popularity, but many dental professionals and orthodontists do not recommend it as it can adversely affect your bite.

Another common technique is face yoga, which involves different exercises of the face, mouth, and jaw muscles for a more defined look. An easy exercise is to open your mouth wide and try saying the letters O, E, and I with an exaggerated pronunciation. By doing these exercises on a routine basis, it is claimed that you can achieve a more toned look.

While moderate use of these jaw exercises may help define your jawline and facial muscles, they could be harmful if overdone. Most orthodontists and dental professionals have studied the different ways these techniques can impact your oral health and jaw functions, especially if you practice them too much.

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) does not suggest mewing, as these exercises may alter the shape and alignment of your jaws and, consequently, the alignment of your teeth. Without the supervision of a dental professional or a certified orthodontist, it is not recommended to overdo any of these exercises. In fact, some of these jaw exercises may also harm your teeth if they involve clenching your jaws.

The skeletal shape and anatomy of your jaws cannot be altered with jaw exercises, although they may help tone your muscles to some extent. However, some safer alternatives for improving your jawline include:

• Healthy lifestyle: Eating a balanced diet and maintaining an active lifestyle can help you reduce overall body fat, including the areas around the face. This may also make your jawline look more sharp and defined.
• Orthodontic treatment: In case of jaw abnormalities or misalignment, the best approach is to consult your dentist or orthodontist. They will assess the underlying issue and recommend treatment options that can help improve your jaw anatomy and functioning.
• Surgery: Some cosmetic surgeries like facial contouring and chin implants can also help improve your jawline. If you have jaw discrepancies, your orthodontist may recommend orthognathic surgery to correct the positioning of your jaws.