When you’re getting ready to speak in front of others – whether it’s for an important meeting at work or to make a speech at a special event – it’s important to remember that the little things can make all the difference. A great smile plays a more important role in a successful speech than you might realize. Here’s why it’s worth keeping your teeth in mind when you’re getting ready to speak in front of others!
Teeth and Speech

Your teeth play an important role in pronouncing all kinds of sounds. This includes the /s/, /f/, /z/, /v/, /th/, and /sh/ sounds. If the teeth aren’t aligned properly, you could develop a lisp that causes words with these sounds to come out strangely. And if you’re missing teeth altogether, you’ll have a much harder time speaking at all! In short, having all of your teeth in their proper positions is essential if you want your speech to be as clear as possible.

Teeth and Confidence

You might not think that the appearance of your teeth could impact your speech all that much, but if you’re not happy with how they look, it could take a toll on your overall confidence. And when you’re not as confident in your smile, you’ll be more likely to talk quietly or mumble your words. Not only can this pose a problem when you get up to speak in front of others, but it can also affect the way you interact with people on a regular basis.

How Improving Your Teeth Can Make You a Better Speaker

If there’s something about your smile that’s stopping you from speaking as clearly and confidently as you want to, now may be a good time to talk to your dentist. Depending on exactly what the problem is, they can offer several different solutions:

If you’re simply unhappy with the way your teeth look, you may want to ask about teeth whitening. A professional whitening treatment like ZOOM! can remove stains and discoloration that you wouldn’t be able to get rid of on your own, and it can be done in just one appointment. Brighter teeth can be just the thing you need to get your smile ready for the spotlight.

In the event that you have cosmetic concerns other than the color of your teeth, you may want to ask your dentist about other treatment options. Veneers can be a good choice since they can be used to make multiple corrections at once.

If your teeth are actively affecting the way you talk, your dentist can recommend a solution. For example, if a tooth has been lost altogether, it can be replaced with a bridge, partial denture, or dental implant. Once your smile is complete, you’ll be able to speak normally again.