Are‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ you thinking if your speech will be different when you wear a mouthguard? This is a question that is commonly asked by first-time users during their visit to a dentist in Calgary, no matter if the guard is for sports, grinding, or jaw protection. Positively, the changes in speech that are caused by the mouthguard are very slight and disappear ‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌quickly.

Do Mouthguards Affect Speech?

At‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ first mouthguards can interfere with your speech because your tongue has to get used to the new shape in your mouth. Some sounds like “S,” “T,” and “D” may seem more difficult to pronounce. Almost all people experience this for the first several days.

Typical initial changes are

  • Minor lisp
  • Speech being slower
  • The tongue touching the guard instead of the teeth
  • Words giving an impression of being less clear

These alterations disappear as your mouth gets used to it through usage and ‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌practice.

Types of Mouthguards and How They Affect Talking

While‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ looking at mouth guards in Calgary, the first thing to consider would definitely be how the kind of guard that you choose affects your speech.

Typically, there are three main types of mouth guards:

  • Stock guards: These are the least expensive and generally also the most difficult to speak with. They are not made specifically for your mouth.
  • Boil-and-bite guards: which you can make your own at home, are more comfortable than stock ones but can still be a bit awkward sometimes.
  • Custom guards: These are fabricated by a dental professional and are the closest fit, hence the least impact on your ‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌speech.

A better fit always leads to clearer speech and faster adjustment.

Why Some Mouthguards Make Speaking Harder

A dentist near you may share that the reason for these speech changes is that your tongue and lips need space. A guard who occupies too much space hinders communication.

Common reasons include:

  • The guard is too thick.
  • Edges are not trimmed well.
  • Teeth impressions are uneven.
  • The material sits too high on the gums.
  • Small adjustments usually solve these issues quickly.

How to Improve Speech While Wearing a Mouthguard

In case you are wondering about how to improve speech with a mouthguard, simple practice can help a lot. When you use the right techniques, most people fit in within a few days.

Helpful tips.

  • Read out loud for 5–10 minutes daily.
  • Repeat tricky words like “stay,” “sand,” or “today.”
  • Speak slowly instead of rushing.
  • Wear the guard at home before using it in public.
  • Ask for a fit adjustment if it feels uncomfortable.

Your mouth learns faster than you think.

How Long Until You Speak Normally Again?

A dentist in Calgary will tell you that everyone has a different adjustment period. It takes some people 2–3 days, others a week. Kids might take more time but a little daily practice helps them improve really fast.

Most tend to get clear speech once the mouth learns the new position of the guard.

Need Expert Help With Your Mouthguard?

It takes some time to get used to talking with a mouthguard on, but it’s only for a little while. Visit Inglewood Family Dental for a comfortable and well-fitting guard that supports clear speech. With the help of their team, you can choose the right option and feel assured every time you wear it.

📍 Find us easily on the Google map and plan your visit today!

FAQs

Can my mouthguard affect school or work presentations?

Only at the start. Once you get used to it, your speech should sound normal again.

Are thinner mouthguards better for talking clearly?

Yes. Thinner, custom-made guards give your tongue more space to move.

Will I need to relearn speech if I get a new guard later?

You may need a short adjustment period again, but it is usually very quick.

Do kids adjust differently compared to adults?

Kids often adapt faster because their mouths are still developing.