As a practitioner in the field of speech-language pathology, understanding the multifaceted influences on speech development is crucial for creating effective intervention strategies. A recent study titled "Speech evaluation in children with temporomandibular disorders" provides valuable insights into the relationship between temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and speech in children. Here, we delve into the study's findings and discuss how you can apply these insights to enhance your practice.
Study Overview
The study aimed to evaluate the influence of TMD on speech in children and to verify the influence of occlusal characteristics. Researchers assessed 152 Brazilian children, aged 8 to 12, for TMD signs and symptoms using the Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD (RDC/TMD) and evaluated their speech using the "Phonological Assessment of Child Speech." The children were divided into four groups: TMD, TMD signs and symptoms, TMD signs or symptoms, and without signs and symptoms.
Key Findings
- A slight prevalence of articulatory disturbances, such as substitutions, omissions, and distortions of the sibilants /s/ and /z/, was observed.
- No deviations in jaw lateral movements were found.
- Reduction of vertical amplitude was found in 10 children, with a higher prevalence in children with TMD signs and symptoms compared to those without.
- The most prevalent visual alterations were tongue protrusion in phonemes /t/, /d/, /n/, /l/ and frontal lips in phonemes /s/ and /z/.
- A high percentage of dental occlusal alterations was observed.
Implications for Practice
While the study found no direct association between TMD and speech disorders, it highlighted the potential influence of occlusal alterations on speech. Here are some practical steps you can take based on these findings:
1. Comprehensive Assessments
Ensure that your speech evaluations include a thorough assessment of occlusal characteristics. This can help identify any dental issues that may be influencing speech production.
2. Collaboration with Dental Professionals
Collaborate with dental professionals to address occlusal issues in children. A multidisciplinary approach can provide a more comprehensive treatment plan, addressing both speech and dental health.
3. Targeted Interventions
Develop targeted interventions for children with occlusal alterations. For instance, specific exercises and techniques can be used to correct tongue positioning and improve articulatory precision for phonemes like /s/, /z/, /t/, /d/, /n/, and /l/.
4. Continuous Monitoring
Regularly monitor children with TMD and occlusal alterations to track their progress and make necessary adjustments to their treatment plans. This can help in identifying any emerging issues early and modifying interventions accordingly.
Encouraging Further Research
Given the study's findings, further research is needed to explore the intricate relationship between TMD, occlusal characteristics, and speech development. Practitioners are encouraged to contribute to this body of knowledge by conducting their own studies or collaborating with research institutions.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Speech evaluation in children with temporomandibular disorders.
