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Were you aware of the role that the jaw plays in articulation of speech sounds? Jaw stability (or instability) can affect kids’ affect a kid’s speech sounds in different ways. According to Solomon et al. (2016), jaw stabilization is helpful for training “coordinated lingual movements for speech in children with speech sound disorders or apraxia of speech.” This means that when the jaw is stable and there is no sliding, the tongue is able to be coordinated in a way that allows children to say speech sounds correctly. One therapeutic approach that can aid in stabilizing the jaw is utilizing a bite block in therapy sessions. A bite block aids in stabilizing the jaw and isolating the tongue and lip movements from the jaw when speaking (Solomon et al. 2016). The child can bite down on this device which would make allow the tongue to move independent of from the jaw. In a study by Green (2002) as cited in Rosenfeld-Johnson (2019), “lLimited mandibular control in early speech is a negative prognostic for later speech motor delays.” When the jaw, also known as the mandible, is limited in control and movement or grading, there is an increased chance for motor speech delays. By implementing a bite block as part of a therapeutic session, the jaw is being stabilized and improving in strength.

Reference

Rosenfeld-Johnson, S. [2019]. Effects of limited or excessive jaw mobility during conversational speech. Help Them Shine. https://www.helpthemshine.com/blogs/effects-of-limited- or-excessive-jaw-mobility-during-conversational-speech

Solomon, N. P., Makashay, M. J., & Munson, B. (2016). The Effect of Jaw Position on Perceptual and Acoustic Characteristics of Speech. The International journal of orofacial myology : official publication of the International Association of Orofacial Myology, 42, 15–24.