The Link Between Oral Health and Speech Development: What Phnom Penh Parents Should Know

In Phnom Penh, families are becoming more aware of the critical connection between oral health and speech development. While brushing teeth and regular dental checkups are essential, many parents are surprised to learn that oral hygiene also impacts how children speak, eat, and develop communication skills.

At OrbRom Center, we recognize that healthy mouths lead to clearer speech. That’s why our speech therapy programs often include collaboration with dental and oral motor experts—especially for children with articulation issues or oral motor delays.

Why Oral Health Matters in Speech Development

Speech sounds are produced using the lips, tongue, teeth, and palate. When any of these structures are misaligned, weak, or affected by oral hygiene issues (such as cavities or mouth sensitivity), it can interfere with the way children pronounce words or even affect their willingness to speak.

In Phnom Penh, we’re seeing more cases of children with untreated oral health issues that delay or distort speech. Common problems include:

• Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia), limiting tongue movement

• Dental crowding or missing front teeth, affecting “s” and “th” sounds

• Oral pain from cavities, reducing speaking confidence

• Poor oral motor habits like mouth breathing or thumb-sucking

• Weak lip, jaw, or tongue strength, leading to articulation issues

The Role of Speech Therapists at OrbRom Center

At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, our speech-language pathologists assess each child’s oral motor function as part of our therapy process. If oral hygiene or structure is impacting speech, we design exercises and interventions to address it.

Our therapy approach may include:

• Strengthening oral muscles through targeted activities

• Teaching proper tongue and lip placement for clear sound production

• Helping children overcome fear or anxiety about mouth-based activities

• Coordinating with dentists or ENT specialists if necessary

We also educate parents on how to support oral health routines at home that benefit both hygiene and communication.

Creating a Speech-Friendly Home in Phnom Penh

Encouraging good oral hygiene at home can directly support your child’s speech development. Try these strategies:

• Make brushing fun with songs or reward charts

• Use mirrors to practice mouth movement and pronunciation

• Encourage drinking from open cups or straws to strengthen lips and jaw

• Avoid prolonged use of pacifiers or bottles after age 2

• Read books or tell stories that include silly speech sounds and mouth movements

These small actions, when practiced consistently, support both health and learning.

Visit OrbRom Center for Expert Speech Support

OrbRom Center is a trusted provider of speech therapy services in Phnom Penh for children of all ages. Whether your child is struggling with unclear speech or just needs support to strengthen oral motor coordination, we’re here to help.

Our therapists are trained to spot the early signs of oral motor delays and collaborate with families to create effective, personalized treatment plans.

Find us easily on Google Maps.

Final Thought

Healthy mouths make healthy voices. If you’re concerned about your child’s speech and suspect oral health might play a role, don’t wait. At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, we’re ready to support your child’s full communication potential—starting with a strong, confident smile.