Oral health isnt just about having a bright smileits deeply connected to our ability to speak, eat, and communicate effectively. For individuals with speech delays, feeding difficulties, or developmental disabilities, speech-language pathologists (SLPs) can play a significant role in supporting not only communication but also oral health.
At McLevin Dental, we believe in a collaborative, holistic approach to dental careone that recognizes the value of working alongside speech therapists to promote overall well-being for patients with special needs.
How Oral Health and Speech Are Connected
The mouth is the gateway to both nutrition and communication. Many of the same muscles, structures, and functions that enable speech are also responsible for chewing, swallowing, and maintaining good oral hygiene.
When oral health suffers, it can directly impact:
Speech clarity: Pain, infections, or missing teeth can affect sounds.
Feeding skills: Dental discomfort can make chewing and swallowing difficult.
Oral muscle tone: Weakness or tension in the jaw, tongue, or lips can affect both speech and brushing ability.
Saliva management: Dry mouth or excessive drooling may affect oral health and articulation.
The Role of Speech Therapists in Oral Health
Speech-language pathologists dont just help with talkingthey also focus on the oral motor functions necessary for speaking, eating, and maintaining oral health.
1. Supporting Oral Muscle Development
SLPs help strengthen muscles in the mouth, jaw, and face. This is essential for:
Better speech articulation
Improved chewing and swallowing
More effective toothbrushing and oral care routines
2. Addressing Oral Sensory Challenges
Many patients with autism or sensory processing disorders experience oral aversionsdiscomfort with brushing, dental tools, or even certain food textures. Speech therapists use desensitization strategies to gradually increase tolerance for oral stimulation.
This preparation makes dental visits less stressful and home oral care more manageable.
3. Improving Feeding and Swallowing
Feeding therapy from an SLP can address issues like:
Food pocketing
Chewing difficulties
Gagging
Picky eating linked to oral sensitivity
Healthy chewing and swallowing contribute to cleaner mouths and fewer dental issues.
4. Enhancing Saliva Management
SLPs help manage problems like:
Excessive drooling
Mouth breathing (which can lead to dry mouth and higher cavity risk)
Swallowing difficulties that may affect oral hygiene
5. Preparing for Dental Visits
Speech therapists often assist patients in practicing:
Opening their mouths for longer periods
Tolerating oral tools like mirrors and toothbrushes
Following step-by-step instructions, which supports smoother dental visits
Collaboration Between Speech Therapists and Dentists
When dental teams and SLPs work together, patients benefit from:
Reduced anxiety and sensory overwhelm during dental visits
Improved cooperation with brushing, flossing, and dental procedures
Better oral muscle tone, supporting both speech and eating
A comprehensive understanding of the patients oral and communication needs
At McLevin Dental, we value collaboration with SLPs and encourage families to share their childs speech therapy goals with us so we can align dental care accordingly.
How Families Can Facilitate Collaboration
1. Share Information
Let the dental team know about:
Current speech therapy goals
Sensory preferences or aversions
Coping strategies that work during feeding or oral motor exercises
2. Bring Therapy Tools or Strategies
If your SLP recommends certain tools like chewy tubes, oral massagers, or specific breathing techniques, bring them to the dental visit.
3. Practice at Home
Work with the SLP to practice dental visit steps:
Opening wide
Tolerating a toothbrush in the mouth
Sitting still for short periods
This practice leads to smoother appointments.
4. Advocate for Holistic Care
Dont hesitate to ask your dental team and SLP to communicate directly. Collaboration ensures that everyone is working toward the same goals.
How McLevin Dental Supports Holistic Oral Care
Our team is trained to work with individuals who have communication challenges, sensory needs, and oral motor difficulties. We offer:
Sensory-friendly environments
Visual aids and communication supports
Extra time for appointments when needed
Flexible approaches based on the patients comfort and therapy goals
Close collaboration with speech therapists, occupational therapists, and other professionals
The Long-Term Benefits
When speech therapy and dental care are integrated, patients experience:
Stronger oral motor skills for speech, eating, and hygiene
Reduced dental anxiety
Fewer cavities and oral health issues
Better overall quality of life
Improved communication and confidence
Final Thoughts
Oral care and speech development go hand in hand. For patients with special needs, the combined support of a speech therapist and a compassionate dental team like McLevin Dental can make an incredible difference.
If youre looking for a dental clinic in Scarborough that understands the connection between communication, oral motor skills, and dental health, contact McLevin Dental today. Together, well create a supportive, collaborative path to healthier smiles and stronger voices.