John Mew, the Orthodontist Behind “Mewing,” Passes at 96
On June 25, 2025, Professor John Mew, a British orthodontist whose unconventional theories and techniques, notably the viral “mewing” practice, sparked both fascination and controversy, passed away at 96 in his self-built moated castle in Heathfield, East Sussex, England.
A Maverick in Dentistry
Born on September 7, 1928, in Royal Tunbridge Wells, England, John Roland Chandley Mew followed in his father’s footsteps as a dental surgeon, graduating from University College London in 1953. After training in orthognathic (jaw) surgery, he shifted focus to orthodontics, developing a philosophy called Orthotropics. Unlike traditional orthodontists who attribute crooked teeth primarily to genetics, Mew argued that lifestyle and environmental factors since the 18th century—such as soft diets and mouth breathing due to urban pollution—caused smaller, recessed jaws and misaligned teeth. His Tropic Premise posited that proper facial growth could be restored through early intervention, emphasizing tongue posture, nasal breathing, and specialized appliances to expand the jaw and dental arches.
Mew’s methods, including the Biobloc appliance, aimed to guide facial development in children up to age 8, when jaws are most malleable. He believed these techniques could not only align teeth but also enhance facial aesthetics, a goal he described as “saving the face.” However, his rejection of conventional treatments like extractions and braces drew criticism from the orthodontic establishment, culminating in the revocation of his dental license in 2017 by the General Dental Council in Britain for an advertisement accusing orthodontists of an “illegal scam.” Despite this, Mew continued to advise practitioners and engage with a global audience online.
The “Mewing” Phenomenon
Mew’s most famous legacy is “mewing,” a technique involving resting the tongue against the roof of the mouth, keeping lips closed, and breathing through the nose. Popularized by Mew’s son, Dr. Mike Mew, through YouTube videos with millions of views, mewing exploded on platforms like TikTok, amassing over 30 billion views. Proponents, including wellness influencers and segments of online communities like the “manosphere” and “incels,” claim mewing can sculpt a sharper jawline, improve facial symmetry, and even support airway health. The trend has become so widespread that teachers in the U.S. and U.K. have reported students avoiding speaking in class to maintain their mewing posture.
While mewing has captured public imagination, it lacks robust scientific support. A 2019 study in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery concluded that mewing is not a viable alternative to orthognathic surgery or traditional orthodontics. Professor Kevin O’Brien, an emeritus professor of orthodontics at the University of Manchester, has stated there is “no mainstream scientific evidence” supporting mewing’s ability to alter facial bone structure in adults. Potential risks, such as jaw discomfort or misalignment from improper practice, have also been noted.
A Life Beyond Orthodontics
Mew’s life was as unconventional as his theories. A competitive sailor, Formula 1 and Formula 3 racer, and WWII dispatch rider, he also built a castle in Sussex with his wife, Josephine, where they raised their three children: Mike, William, and Rosie. His son Mike continues to advocate for orthotropics, though he faced a dental license suspension in 2024, which he is appealing. Mew’s 2013 book, The Cause and Cure of Malocclusion, and the 2024 Netflix documentary Open Wide further cemented his influence. His study of ancient jaw specimens in museums led him to conclude that misaligned bites were rare centuries ago, fueling his belief in environmental causes of malocclusion.