The mouth is important when speaking. Here sounds are shaped by mouth, lips and tongue. If specific muscles are too weak, it will be difficult to keep the mouth properly shut. The mouth will stay open, bacteria will enter the oral area, risking colds and ear infection. The position of the tongue is of great importance, especially when getting on in years. The tongue can be against of  or between the teeth ((when swallowing or speaking). This causes pressure of the front teeth. To adjust the teeth an orthodontist’s help is usually required. If the adjustment of the set of teeth works, but again the tongue still pushes forward, there is not much point in the orthodontic treatment. Therefore the orthodontist regularly refers persons to a speech therapist.

A neurological disorder, such as a apoplexy, can also be the cause of difficulties in swallowing. Difficulties when swallowing, such as choking, can be the result of the malfunction of specific muscles. This we call dysphagia.