Can missing teeth affect your speech?

Yes, missing teeth can affect your speech, by making it more difficult to pronounce words correctly and clearly. You may find you make whistling noises when you talk or even spit when speaking. Speech is all about producing sounds and we produce sounds by using our lips, teeth, and tongue. When you’re missing teeth, your tongue doesn’t make contact with them, affecting your speech. In fact, try saying the word, “teeth” without touching your tongue to your front teeth.

If you’re interested in restoring your teeth, there are a variety of options available including dental implants, dentures, and bridges. You’ll want to consult with your dentist about which restoration method will work best for you.