Professor John Mew, the British orthodontist behind the viral facial restructuring trend known as “mewing,” has passed away at the age of 96.
His death was confirmed by Orthotropics.com, which described him as a visionary and tireless advocate for better health. Mew passed peacefully in 2025 after a lifetime of challenging the foundations of modern orthodontics.
Originally trained in dentistry at University College London, Mew began his career as a maxillofacial surgeon before turning to orthodontics. He quickly became critical of conventional practices that focused on mechanically straightening teeth without addressing the root causes of facial growth issues.
In response, he developed Biobloc Orthotropics, a technique that emphasized posture, breathing, and early intervention to guide natural facial development in children.
Mewing creator dead at 96
While his theories faced widespread criticism from the orthodontic establishment, including the eventual loss of his license, Mew continued to teach and publish. His work inspired a dedicated community of followers and laid the groundwork for a broader movement questioning standard dental practices.
Mew’s ideas reached a global audience through the practice of “mewing,” which became a viral phenomenon on social media. The technique, which involves maintaining correct tongue posture against the roof of the mouth, has amassed over 30 billion views on TikTok and sparked ongoing debate about its effectiveness and scientific grounding.
Beyond orthodontics, Mew led a varied life. He was a WWII dispatch rider, Formula 1 test driver, downhill skier, America’s Cup sailor, anthropologist, and author. He also built a castle and raised a family, including his son Dr. Mike Mew, who continues to promote his father’s work today.
Content shared from www.dexerto.com.