Speech requires co-ordination between a person's muscles and oral structures like their lips, tongue, teeth, vocal tract and cheeks. Even though some of these oral structures play more significant roles than others, all of them play a part in speech production. When one or more of the oral structures does not function properly speech may be affected.
The proper alignment and positioning of teeth are essential for clear speech. Teeth have the ability to impact how children articulate words and can have a lasting effect on a child's ability to speak.
Language production starts around the time of teeth development. Teeth play a crucial role in producing strident sounds- sounds that require friction of airflow being pressed on the teeth, such as s, sh, ch, z, j, v and th. Without teeth a child would not only struggle with speech but with feeding too.
Eruption of primary (baby teeth) typically develops around 6 month and continues until 2-3 years. Primary teeth help children chew properly, develop proper speech patterns and maintain space for permanent teeth.
When baby teeth fall out and permanent teeth have not yet erupted words may be distorted temporarily because of missing teeth, but this soon rectifies.
Permanent teeth affect speech development and asthetics. Dental crowding of teeth can affect speech clarity as can dental occlusions(how the upper and lower teeth fit together). Under, cross or over-bites may require orthodontics. Absence of teeth or congenital abnormalities can impact speech production and overall oral function. Dental implants or prosthetics can help.
If your child learns to brush their teeth and gums from an early age, it will help desensitize their mouths which will allow them to put things in their mouth other then a bottle. This will translate into food as well.
Early intervention can promote healthy speech and dental development and a collaboration between the pediatrician, dentist and speech therapist is essential for the best outcome.
