Speech Problems

1. Malocclusions: Malocclusions refer to problems with the alignment of the teeth and jaws, such as overcrowding, overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite. These orthodontic issues can affect speech and pronounciation and may require orthodontic treatment to improve speech.
2. Cleft palate: A cleft palate is a birth defect that occurs when the roof of the mouth does not fully close during foetal development. This can cause problems with speech and language development, and may require orthodontic treatment to improve speech.
3. Tongue thrust: Tongue thrust is a condition in which the tongue pushes against the teeth during speech or swallowing. This can cause orthodontic issues, such as an open bite or spacing between the teeth, and may require orthodontic treatment to improve speech.
4. Articulation disorders: Articulation disorders are speech disorders that affect the way sounds are produced. Orthodontic issues, such as malocclusions or cleft palate, can contribute to articulation disorders and may require orthodontic treatment to improve speech and communication skills.
5. Tongue tie: Tongue tie is a condition that restricts tongue movement which in turn may affect speech. Correcting tongue tie may improve speech.

1. Speech and language delays: Orthodontic issues such as malocclusions, cleft palate, and tongue thrust can cause speech and language delays. This can impact a person’s ability to communicate effectively, which can affect academic, social, and professional opportunities.
2. Difficulty with articulation: Malocclusions, cleft palate, and other orthodontic issues can affect the way sounds are produced, resulting in difficulty with articulation. This can lead to difficulty being understood by others, which can negatively impact social interactions and self-esteem.
3. Dental health problems: Malocclusions, tongue thrust, and other orthodontic issues can cause problems with dental health, such as tooth decay, gum disease, and enamel erosion. These problems can be exacerbated if proper oral hygiene practices are not followed.
4. Inefficient chewing and swallowing: Orthodontic issues can make it difficult to chew and swallow food properly, which can lead to digestive problems and malnutrition.
5. Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD): Orthodontic issues can also cause problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which can lead to TMD. Symptoms of TMD can include jaw pain, headaches, and difficulty opening and closing the mouth.

1. Malocclusions: Malocclusions, or improper alignment of the teeth, can affect speech sounds that require the tongue, lips, and teeth to work together, such as “s,” “z,” and “th.”


2. Missing teeth: Missing teeth can also affect speech sounds, as they can change the placement of the tongue and affect airflow.


3. Tongue-tie: Tongue-tie occurs when the frenulum (a small piece of tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth) is too short or tight, which can limit the movement of the tongue and affect speech sounds.


4. Cleft palate: Cleft palate is a congenital condition in which there is a gap in the roof of the mouth, which can affect the production of certain speech sounds.


5. Jaw abnormalities: Abnormalities in the jaw, such as a small or recessed jaw, can affect the position of the tongue and impact speech sounds.


6. Oral motor deficits: Oral motor deficits refer to difficulties with the movement and coordination of the muscles involved in speech production, which can be caused by a range of dental and medical conditions.

1. Dental decay: Speech problems can make it difficult to properly clean the teeth and maintain good oral hygiene, which can increase the risk of dental decay and gum disease.


2. Tooth wear: Mispronouncing certain sounds due to speech problems can cause excessive wear and tear on the teeth, particularly the front teeth.


3. Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD): Speech problems can sometimes cause a person to clench their teeth or use their jaw muscles in an unnatural way, which can lead to TMD, a painful condition that affects the jaw joint and surrounding muscles.


4. Bruxism: Bruxism, or teeth grinding, can be a complication of speech problems that cause a person to clench their teeth together.


5. TMJ pain: Speech problems can cause the jaw to move in an unnatural way, which can lead to pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).


6. Chewing difficulties: In some cases, speech problems can make it difficult to chew properly, which can lead to digestive problems and malnutrition.

1. Orthodontic treatment: Malocclusions, or misaligned teeth, can cause speech problems by affecting the placement of the tongue and lips. Orthodontic treatment can correct these issues and improve speech production.


2. Dental restorations: Missing teeth or poorly fitting dental restorations can cause speech problems. Restoring missing teeth or correcting the fit of dental restorations can help improve speech production.


3. Tongue-tie surgery: Tongue-tie, a condition where the frenulum connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth is too short or tight, can limit the movement of the tongue and affect speech sounds. Tongue-tie surgery can help improve speech problems caused by this condition.


4. Oral motor exercises: Oral motor exercises can help strengthen the muscles used in speech production, improve tongue and lip placement, and increase oral awareness.


5. Speech therapy: Speech therapy with a speech-language pathologist can help individuals with speech problems develop strategies to improve communication and speech production.


6. Dental hygiene and maintenance: Maintaining good dental hygiene, such as regular brushing and flossing, can help prevent dental complications that can contribute to speech problems, such as dental decay and gum disease.

All of us here at Kigo Dental are committed to providing you with the best dental care available, and we do so with a smile.

Our entire staff, from receptionists to dental hygienists and assistants, is committed to providing you with the best quality dental care possible.

From the time you walk through the door and every time you revisit, you will experience this firsthand.

Kigo Dental has a team of experienced and skilled Orthodontists and other specialised dentists who specialize in providing high-quality dental care and treatments, utilizing the latest technologies and techniques to ensure the best outcomes for their patients.