There is a definite relationship between certain types of speech articulation disorders and orofacial muscle imbalance. If the orofacial muscles are not functioning properly, chewing, swallowing, and articulation may be affected. ​Difficulty with any of these very often is related to poor tongue posture and malpositioning of the tongue when swallowing. Conversational speech may be sluggish and slow; words may be slurred, unclear, or imprecise.

Oromotor and Myofunctional therapies address chewing, swallowing, and articulation disorders. Learning how to reposition the tongue and strengthen the orofacial muscles can improve and even correct the associated speech and swallowing disorders.