We all know that healthy teeth are essential for chewing and a confident smile, but their importance extends far beyond these basic functions. Teeth play a crucial, and often overlooked, role in speech and communication, from infancy through adulthood.

Teeth and Speech Development in Childhood:

Early Development: Even baby teeth, which emerge in infancy, are vital for more than just eating solid foods. They play a critical role in early speech development. As babies learn to speak, their teeth help them form the sounds of their native language.
Tooth Loss and Speech: When children lose baby teeth, they may experience temporary difficulties with pronunciation. This is because the gaps left by missing teeth can alter airflow and tongue placement, affecting the clarity of certain sounds. Some children may even develop a temporary lisp or other speech impediment, which they typically outgrow as their permanent teeth erupt.

The Role of Adult Teeth in Speech:

Adult teeth continue to be essential for clear and effective communication. They work in conjunction with the tongue, palate (roof of the mouth), and lips to produce a wide range of sounds.

Articulation: The precise placement of the tongue against the teeth is crucial for articulating many sounds (phonemes). The shape and position of the teeth also influence airflow, which is essential for creating different sounds.
Everyday use.

A Simple Experiment:

To illustrate the importance of teeth in speech, try this simple exercise:

“TH” Sound: Say the word “therapy,” paying attention to how your tongue touches the back of your front teeth to produce the “TH” sound. Now, try to say “therapy” while covering your teeth with your lips, as if you had no teeth. You’ll notice a significant difference in the sound.
“S” Sound: Say the word “snake,” focusing on how the air flows over your teeth to create the “S” sound. Now, try saying “snake” while pulling your lips tightly over your teeth, mimicking a toothless mouth. The sound will be noticeably distorted.

These exercises demonstrate how integral teeth are to clear pronunciation. While individuals can often adapt to missing teeth or dental appliances, the presence and proper alignment of teeth significantly contribute to effortless and effective communication.

By Alexander Ash, DDS

Dr. Ash is the founder of Studio Dental Care. He earned his Doctorate at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, followed by two General Residencies at New York-Presbyterian / Weill-Cornell Hospital and the UCLA Sepulveda VA Hospital.