How Jaw Health and Tongue Posture Transform Your Face Shape and Overall Wellness
Ben Greenfield explores bioesthetic dentistry, mewing techniques, and proper oral mechanics for optimized health and facial structure.
Summary
Ben Greenfield dives into the overlooked world of jaw health and oral mechanics after a dentist identified problems just by observing his mouth at a party. This episode explores bioesthetic dentistry, the practice of 'mewing' (proper tongue and jaw posture), and how these techniques can actually change facial structure over time. Greenfield shares his year-long journey of relearning how to chew, breathe, and position his tongue properly. Key actionable insights include switching from fluoride to hydroxyapatite toothpaste, training your tongue to rest against your palate, practicing nasal breathing, and using mouth taping during sleep. The episode emphasizes that proper oral mechanics extend far beyond dental health, impacting overall posture, breathing patterns, and even facial aesthetics.
Detailed Summary
This episode reveals how proper jaw mechanics and tongue posture can dramatically impact both health and facial structure. Ben Greenfield's journey began when a bioesthetic dentist identified oral health issues simply by observing his mouth at a social gathering, leading to over a year of intensive study and practice in jaw optimization. Bioesthetic dentistry focuses on the relationship between jaw position, bite alignment, and overall body mechanics. Greenfield explores 'mewing,' a technique involving proper tongue posture where the tongue rests against the roof of the mouth, which can gradually reshape facial structure over time. The practice requires consistent mindful attention to tongue placement and jaw positioning throughout daily activities. Key practical recommendations include abandoning fluoride-based toothpastes in favor of hydroxyapatite alternatives, which remineralize teeth naturally. Proper chewing mechanics involve using both sides of the mouth equally and maintaining awareness of jaw tension. Nasal breathing becomes crucial, as mouth breathing can negatively impact facial development and overall health. Mouth taping during sleep helps maintain nasal breathing patterns and proper tongue posture overnight. The episode emphasizes that oral health extends far beyond cavity prevention, influencing posture, breathing efficiency, sleep quality, and even aesthetic facial changes. While these techniques show promise, Greenfield notes that significant structural changes require consistent long-term practice and may vary significantly between individuals based on age and existing jaw structure.
Key Findings
- Switch to hydroxyapatite toothpaste instead of fluoride for natural tooth remineralization
- Practice 'mewing' by keeping tongue suctioned to roof of mouth throughout the day
- Use mouth taping during sleep to maintain nasal breathing and proper tongue posture
- Chew food mindfully using both sides of mouth equally to balance jaw mechanics
- Focus on nasal breathing during all activities to optimize facial development
Methodology
This is a solo podcast episode from Ben Greenfield's 'RAW' series on the LIFE Network. Greenfield shares personal experiences and insights from his year-long journey with bioesthetic dentistry practitioners, presenting unfiltered observations from his own experimentation.
Study Limitations
Based primarily on personal experience rather than controlled studies. Structural facial changes from mewing may take years to manifest and results vary significantly by individual. Professional evaluation recommended before making major changes to oral care routines.
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