Most people associate speech-language pathologists with language delays and articulation practice, but their scope reaches further into orthodontic territory than that — particularly around tongue posture, oral motor function, and swallowing patterns.

The same low, forward tongue resting position that contributes to a narrow palate and airway restriction also tends to interfere with certain speech sounds. Producing “s,” “z,” “t,” “d,” “l,” and “r” clearly requires precise tongue placement against the palate or teeth, and a tongue that habitually sits in the wrong spot — or pushes forward with every swallow — can make those sounds persistently difficult, even with dedicated speech practice.

Signs it’s worth an SLP evaluation alongside orthodontic care:

• A lisp or unclear “s”/”z” sounds that hasn’t resolved at the expected age
• Visible tongue pushing between the front teeth while speaking or swallowing
• An open bite that won’t close with orthodontic treatment alone (tongue interference)
• Certain sounds staying hard to produce despite general speech therapy
• Effortful or messy chewing and swallowing patterns

An SLP trained in orofacial myofunctional disorders can work directly on tongue placement, swallowing mechanics, and oral rest posture — this overlaps significantly with myofunctional therapy, and some providers offer both under one roof. What matters more than the title is that someone is treating the muscle function, not just repositioning the teeth.

At our Woodland Park office, we coordinate with local SLPs whenever a tongue thrust or posture issue is likely to interfere with how well orthodontic treatment holds, or when a family raises ongoing speech concerns during a visit. Correcting the bite alone in these situations often isn’t enough — if the tongue keeps doing what it’s always done, the same open bite or flared teeth tend to return.

If your child’s speech sounds haven’t cleared up with typical therapy, or you’ve noticed their tongue pushing against their teeth, bring it up at your next visit with us. It may connect more directly to their bite than expected.