The Speech and Language Connection

30/09/2025

Research by Gick (2017) and Lui (2023) shows that when we speak, the sides of the tongue usually stay in active contact with the palate and molars – this is called 'tongue bracing'. And this is a universal, active strategy across languages that provides stability for clear speech sounds.

👉 But what if a child isn’t bracing their tongue?
This can contribute to reduced intelligibility in connected speech (though of course, there are many possible factors).

So why might the tongue not be braced?
If other oral functions (like swallowing and breathing) don’t use the lateral tongue margins for stability, the child has no reason to suddenly recruit them for speech. Structural or sensory differences may make it harder to achieve or maintain this tongue contact. Oral habits, lack of strength and precision of the oral muscles, alongside other factors, can interfere with developing a stable bracing posture.

💡 This is where myofunctional therapy becomes so valuable. It allows us to explore how breathing, swallowing, and tongue rest posture all interact with speech – and to address the underlying oral functions that may be limiting stability such as low tongue rest posture with mouth breathing or tongue thrust swallow. Combined with our SLT expertise, we can better understand and support each child’s unique needs.

👉 Parents – If you’re curious about how myofunctional therapy could support your child’s speech and oral function, get in touch with us at The Speech and Language Connection – we’d love to help.
👉 SLTs - If you’re interested in exploring whether tongue bracing and oral functions could be impacting on the speech progress of children on your caseload, get in touch!

enquiries.speechconnection@gmail.com



Gick, B., Allen, B., Roewer-Després, F., & Stavness, I. (2017). Speaking tongues are actively braced. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 60(3), 494–506. https://doi.org/10.1044/2016_JSLHR-S-15-0141

Liu, Y., Tong, F., de Boer, G., & Gick, B. (2023). Lateral tongue bracing as a universal postural basis for speech. Journal of the International Phonetic Association, 53(3), 712–730. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0025100321000335

22/09/2025

🌟 We’re thrilled to see Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy gaining recognition on mainstream platforms like the Good Morning Show. 🛌✨ It's crucial to raise awareness about the impact of sleep quality on our daily lives. If you snore, it’s often more than just a nuisance – it's a signal that your body needs attention.

At our clinic, we provide tailored Orofacial Myofunctional assessments that include, but also go beyond simple muscle exercises. Snoring has complex root causes, and we work with a multidisciplinary team to help you understand and address them all. From airway size and nasal breathing to issues like tongue tie and soft palate problems, we consider every factor to improve your sleep and overall health.

Let’s work together to unlock better sleep!

18/09/2025

A great post from the breathe institute!

The tongue plays a vital role in shaping the way our face and airway develop. By understanding these connections, we can optimize growth, breathing, and long-term health.

📍 Join us this October for our Breathe Course — live in Los Angeles and live-streamed worldwide.
👉 Learn more and register at www.breathecourses.com

17/09/2025

What an incredible milestone!

Just over a week ago, we held the very first conference of the Society of Dentofacial Growth and Function (SDGF). The atmosphere was filled with energy, collaboration, and forward-thinking as we came together to explore how a truly multidisciplinary approach can transform the future health and wellbeing of children.

We welcomed international speakers who shared inspiring presentations, sparking conversations that will continue well beyond this event. It’s amazing to see how fast our community is growing, united by one mission: to improve children’s health and function by working together across professions.

I’m proud to serve on the board of the SDGF and to be part of this movement that is already making waves in how we think about children’s growth, development, and long-term health.

This is just the beginning — and the energy in the room made it clear: when we connect across disciplines, amazing things happen.