When Speech Development Needs Support: How Speech Therapy and Oral Function Work Together

Posted on April 16, 2026 | Growth & Development | Parent Resources & Education | Preventative Care & Oral Health

As children grow, speech becomes one of the most important ways they connect with the world. While every child develops at their own pace, some may need extra support as they learn to form sounds, words, and clear communication.

What many parents don’t realize is that speech development is closely connected to oral function, muscle coordination, and even the way the mouth and jaw grow over time. At Blossom Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, we take a whole-child approach to care, recognizing that speech, feeding, and oral development are all deeply connected.

How Oral Function Impacts Speech Development

Speech requires coordination of the tongue, lips, and jaw, which are all influenced by oral muscle function and patterns, often addressed through myofunctional therapy.

Oral function plays a key role in:

• Tongue mobility and positioning
• Jaw stability and strength
• Lip movement and coordination
• Airflow and breath control

These factors influence how sounds are produced and how easily a child can communicate.

In many cases, challenges with oral function may have roots earlier in development, including feeding patterns and muscle coordination. As children grow, these patterns can continue to affect speech if not addressed.

When Parents Might Notice Speech Challenges

Every child develops differently, but there are some signs that may indicate a child could benefit from additional support:

• Difficulty pronouncing certain sounds
• Speech that is hard for others to understand
• Frustration when trying to communicate
• Delayed speech milestones
• Mouth breathing or difficulty keeping lips closed at rest

These signs don’t necessarily mean something is wrong, but they can be helpful indicators that a closer look at oral function and development may be beneficial. 

Oral habits like thumb sucking and pacifier use can also influence tongue positioning and speech development over time.

How Speech Therapy Supports Development

Speech therapy is about much more than correcting pronunciation. It helps children build the foundational skills needed for clear, confident communication.

Speech therapy can support:

• Oral motor coordination and strength
• Proper tongue placement for sounds
• Breath control and airflow
• Confidence in communication

At Blossom, families have access to A to Z Speech Therapy within the same building, making it easier to connect speech development with other aspects of a child’s care. Bonus: Ms. Rachel and Ms. Alexis, the fabulous speech therapists, are also trained in myofunctional therapy, which can help tremendously with overall oral function and tongue positioning. 

This allows for a more coordinated approach, where providers can share insights and support each child in a way that feels consistent and individualized.

The Role of Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics in Speech

Oral development doesn’t just affect teeth — it also influences how the tongue rests, moves, and functions during speech. Early oral development also plays a role in how baby teeth support spacing, function, and speech development as children grow.

Certain dental and orthodontic conditions can impact speech, including:

• Open bites, where the front teeth do not come together, making it more difficult for the tongue to find proper placement
• A narrow upper jaw (maxilla), which can limit space for the tongue and affect airflow and articulation. In some cases, treatment such as a palatal expander can help create more space and support improved oral function.
• Bite alignment issues, which can change how sounds are formed

When needed, orthodontic treatment can help guide jaw development and create the space and structure necessary for improved oral function.

This doesn’t mean every child with speech concerns needs orthodontics, but in some cases, dental and orthodontic support can be an important piece of the puzzle. 

Why a Collaborative, Whole-Child Approach Matters

Speech development is rarely influenced by just one factor. That’s why collaboration between providers can make such a meaningful difference.

At Blossom, pediatric dental care, orthodontics, and speech therapy are thoughtfully connected. With A to Z Speech Therapy located within the same building, families benefit from:

• Easier access to multiple types of care
• Communication between providers
• A more complete understanding of each child’s needs
• Support that evolves as the child grows

Rather than approaching speech, dental development, and oral function separately, this model allows everything to be considered together.

Supporting Growth, Confidence, and Communication

Early support can have a lasting impact on a child’s ability to communicate clearly and confidently. By understanding how speech, oral function, and dental development are connected, families can feel more informed and supported when questions arise.

At Blossom Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, our goal is to provide care that looks at the whole child — supporting not just healthy smiles, but healthy development, communication, and confidence.