Pedodontist’s role in managing speech impairments due to structural imperfections and oral habits: A literature review

Abstract

Speech is one of the oldest media of communication of thoughts. It has affected human behavior and progress so greatly that it has been one of the important determinants of psychosocial health of the human beings. The dental profession, as a guardian of oral health, is engaged to a great extent in altering and restoring structures within the oral cavity, to alleviate the ravages of disease and developmental abnormalities. A major portion of speech articulation takes place within the oral cavity, and any alteration or restorations of structures therein will adversely affect speech proportionate to the location and magnitude of alteration. This article provides an updated literature review on the role of pedodontists in early diagnosis and intervention of speech impairments.