Speech Clarity Issues: Tongue or Dental Problems?

Dysarthria

Hello, I have a slight speech impediment and often get teased for having a "big tongue." I frequently bite my tongue while speaking and feel that my tongue is not very agile.
My upper and lower front teeth do not align properly (the upper teeth are more protruded), and I have difficulty pronouncing certain sounds, such as the vowels "ü" and "i," as well as the consonants "sh" and "s" (for example: "continue," "learning," "go," "teacher").
I would like to know if this issue is related to my tongue or my teeth, and which specialist I should consult.
Alternatively, would practicing pronunciation be sufficient? I would appreciate your guidance.
Thank you!

Xiao An'an, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/10/08

Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry

Misalignment of teeth in the oral cavity can not only affect occlusion and chewing but also impact pronunciation and speech, as well as tongue movement.
Under normal occlusion conditions, the maxillary incisors should slightly overlap the mandibular incisors, creating a horizontal overjet and a vertical overbite.
If the maxillary incisors are too protruded or the mandibular incisors are too retruded (which may indicate issues with the jawbone or dental arch), it can result in excessive horizontal overjet or deep vertical overbite, preventing the maxillary and mandibular incisors from occluding properly.
This can affect speech and may lead to biting the tongue while eating.
It is advisable to seek assistance from an orthodontist if experiencing such issues, to conduct a detailed dental examination and identify the underlying causes for appropriate treatment.

Reply Date: 2004/10/08

More Info

Hello! Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding your speech clarity issues. Based on the symptoms you've described, it seems that your difficulties with articulation, particularly with certain sounds, may stem from a combination of both dental alignment and tongue mobility issues.

Firstly, the fact that you have difficulty with sounds like "ㄩ" and "ㄕ" suggests that there may be an underlying issue with how your tongue is positioned and how it interacts with your teeth during speech. The inability to properly align your upper and lower front teeth (as you mentioned, your upper front teeth are more protruded) can significantly affect your ability to produce certain sounds clearly. This misalignment can lead to what is known as a malocclusion, which can interfere with the normal function of your tongue and the airflow needed for clear speech.

Additionally, if you are experiencing a sensation of your tongue being less agile or frequently biting your tongue while speaking, this could indicate a lack of coordination or strength in your tongue muscles. This can be addressed through targeted speech therapy exercises that focus on improving tongue mobility and strength, as well as practicing specific sounds that you find challenging.

Given these factors, I would recommend a multi-faceted approach to address your concerns:
1. Consult a Dentist or Orthodontist: Since you mentioned that your front teeth do not align properly, it would be beneficial to consult with a dentist or orthodontist. They can assess your dental alignment and determine if orthodontic treatment (like braces) is necessary to correct your bite. Proper alignment can facilitate better tongue positioning and movement, which is crucial for clear speech.

2. Speech Therapy: After addressing any dental issues, working with a speech-language pathologist (SLP) would be highly beneficial. An SLP can provide you with tailored exercises to improve your articulation and help you practice the sounds that you find difficult. They can also work on enhancing your tongue's agility and strength, which may alleviate the sensation of biting your tongue.

3. Oral Motor Exercises: In addition to speech therapy, you might benefit from oral motor exercises that focus on strengthening the muscles of your tongue and improving coordination. These exercises can help increase the flexibility and control of your tongue, which is essential for clear speech.

4. Regular Practice: Consistent practice is key. Engaging in daily exercises and practicing the sounds that are challenging for you can lead to gradual improvement. Consider recording yourself to monitor your progress and identify specific areas that need more focus.

5. Follow-Up: After starting treatment with a dentist and a speech therapist, regular follow-ups will be important to track your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

In summary, your speech clarity issues may arise from both dental misalignment and tongue mobility challenges. A comprehensive approach involving both dental care and speech therapy will likely yield the best results. Don't hesitate to seek out the appropriate specialists, as they can provide you with the guidance and support needed to improve your speech clarity. Best of luck on your journey to clearer communication!

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