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**What is Tongue Chewing?** Tongue chewing is another technique rooted in myofunctional therapy that can further stimulate the CCW or forward and outward expansion of the maxilla. It involves pressing a piece of gum onto the hard palate using the tongue, followed by repetitive chewing and flattening motions against the palate. This exercise is essentially a stronger version of mewing and will add further stimulus to those key muscles we need to exert adequate pressure on the maxilla. (the genioglossus, hyoglossus, styloglossus, and palatoglossus). **How Does it Work?** The method of action through which tongue chewing works is exactly the same as it is with mewing, the only difference being that a larger force is being applied in a shorter amount of time. The tongue's pressure on the palate stimulates the periodontal ligament and activates osteoblasts, the cells responsible for forming new bone tissue. When the palate experiences this pressure, the deposition of new bone from osteoblasts causes the maxillary arch to expand anteriorly and laterally over time. It also works by slowly expanding the mid-palatal suture, leading to a physical widening of the palate. This also results in the widening of the maxillary arch, allowing for better alignment of the teeth and increased space for proper tongue posture, both of which have immense benefits on facial aesthetics as we have discussed in previous sections. **How to Tongue Chew: Step-By-Step Guide.** **Step 1: Get a Natural Gum** - Select a natural, non-artificial gum like mastic gum. This type of gum are free of harmful chemicals and can withstand prolonged chewing without breaking down. **Step 2: Place the Gum on the Palate** - After chewing the gum to soften it, use your tongue to press it upwards, positioning it just behind the upper front teeth on the roof of your mouth. **Step 3: Flatten the Gum** - Flatten the gum onto your palate using the tip and middle of your tongue. The goal is to spread the gum evenly across the hard palate, applying hard and consistent pressure. **Step 4: Perform Chewing Movements** - While keeping the gum pressed against the palate, chew with your tongue by alternately pressing and flattening the gum onto the roof of your mouth. This should engage the full surface of your tongue, particularly the middle and posterior regions, in the process. **Step 5: Maintain Proper Tongue Posture** - Ensure that your tongue remains in contact with the roof of your mouth during the exercise. This will help reinforce good tongue posture, which, as we know, is vital for maxillary development and overall facial aesthetics. **Step 6: Duration and Repetitions** - Start with 5-10 minutes of tongue chewing each day, gradually increasing to longer sessions as your tongue muscles adapt.