When we think about helping children communicate, we often picture speech therapy sessions filled with playful practice and joyful sounds. But what many parents don’t realize is that a child’s dental health plays a key role in speech clarity and oral-motor development.
At Let’s Talk Speech and Language Therapy in Mission Viejo, we collaborate with local professionals such as Dr. Nazita Gaff, DMD of Laguna Heights Dental in Laguna Niguel to support families throughout South Orange County. Together, our shared goal is to nurture confident communicators with healthy smiles.
The Connection Between Oral Health and Speech Development
Speech is powered by precise movements of the tongue, lips, jaw, and soft palate. Dental factors that can interfere include:
- Missing or misaligned teeth, which can alter airflow and articulation of sounds such as /s/, /z/, or /th/.
- Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) or limited oral range of motion.
- Chronic mouth breathing caused by enlarged tonsils, allergies, or airway issues.
- Oral-motor weakness or structural differences from early dental decay or injury.
Good oral hygiene and regular dental care maintain the foundation children need for strong articulation and oral-motor control.
When a Dentist and Speech-Language Pathologist Work Together
A collaborative approach can make all the difference.
- Dentists like Dr. Nazita Gaff evaluate dental structures, bite alignment, and oral tissue health.
- Speech-Language Pathologists like Jill Dews, M.A., CCC-SLP assess how these structures function during speech, feeding, and swallowing.
By sharing insights, both providers can create coordinated care plans—particularly for children who:
- Exhibit persistent lisps or interdental /s/ sounds.
- Have difficulty with tongue placement due to missing teeth or orthodontic changes.
- Are recovering from dental or oral surgeries.
- Show signs of oral-motor inefficiency affecting feeding and speech.
How Early Dental Care Supports Speech Outcomes
Dr. Gaff’s biological and laser dentistry approach emphasizes comfort, minimal tissue trauma, and long-term wellness, principles that align beautifully with early-intervention speech therapy.
Healthy oral tissues allow children to:
- Move their tongue freely for clear articulation.
- Maintain strength and endurance during longer speech tasks.
- Transition smoothly from bottle or breastfeeding to solid foods.
At Let’s Talk Speech and Language Therapy, our early-intervention specialists often coach parents on oral-motor play, chewing practice, and breathing habits that complement healthy dental routines.
Oral-Motor Therapy and Preventive Dental Habits
If your child is working on tongue posture or articulation through Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy, regular dental visits can help maintain progress. A clean oral environment reduces inflammation and makes therapy exercises more comfortable and effective.
We frequently coordinate with local pediatric dentists to ensure that oral-motor goals and dental hygiene support one another.
Signs Your Child May Benefit from Both Services
Consider a joint dental and speech evaluation if you notice:
- Lisping or unclear speech that doesn’t improve with practice.
- Mouth breathing or frequent drooling.
- Difficulty chewing or transitioning textures.
- Complaints of tongue or jaw fatigue during speech.
- Structural differences (e.g., palate shape, tongue-tie, early loss of baby teeth).
Early, coordinated care can prevent small issues from becoming long-term challenges.
Local Partnership Spotlight
We are proud to collaborate with Laguna Heights Dental, led by Dr. Nazita Gaff, DMD, to educate families in Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel, and surrounding communities. Dr. Gaff’s advanced training in laser and biological dentistry allows for gentle, precise treatments that support both oral health and speech development.
Ready to Support Your Child’s Communication and Oral Health?
Healthy mouths help healthy voices grow. If you have questions about your child’s speech development or oral-motor coordination, reach out to Let’s Talk Speech and Language Therapy for a comprehensive evaluation. For dental wellness, visit Laguna Heights Dental in Laguna Niguel to schedule your child’s next check-up.
Together, we’re helping South Orange County kids speak, smile, and thrive.
Let’s Talk Speech and Language Therapy
27285 Las Ramblas, Suite #210
Mission Viejo, California 92691
(949) 218-0508
Driving Directions
Jill Dews, M.A., CCC-SLP
CA License #: SP12461
Link to Verify License
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and should not replace individualized medical, dental, or therapeutic advice. Always consult licensed professionals regarding your child’s specific needs.
