Correlation between altered lingual function and speech disturbances  

Background: The lingual frenum plays a crucial role in oral motor function, and alterations in its position or morphology can contribute to speech disturbances in children. Understanding the correlation between altered lingual frenum and speech difficulties is essential for effective diagnosis and intervention.
Objectives: To compare oral motor function parameters between children with and without speech difficulties associated with altered lingual frenum.
Method: A prospective, observational cross-sectional study was conducted on children aged 6-15 years presenting at an Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) outpatient department. Participants underwent speech evaluation and oral motor function assessment, including maximum mouth opening, tongue positioning, and protrusion. Statistical analysis was performed using independent sample t-tests.
Results: Significant differences were observed between groups in maximum mouth opening, tongue positioning, and protrusion. Children with speech disability (SD) demonstrated significantly reduced maximum mouth opening (16.30mm vs. 32.09mm), shorter distances to incisive papilla (15.26mm vs. 22.65mm) and hard palate (11.17mm vs. 17.65mm), and less tongue protrusion (17.00mm vs. 23.22mm) compared to those without speech difficulty (WSD). These findings suggest impaired oral motor function in SD, emphasizing the importance of tailored interventions.
Conclusions: Children without speech difficulties exhibited greater ranges of motion and more favourable distances in maximum mouth opening, tongue positioning, and protrusion.