Anatomical defects and functional disorders of the masticatory

system are often accompanied by speech sound disorders.

Speech therapy prophylaxis, as well as prevention of disorders

of all parts of the masticatory system, is focused on monitoring

of the proper development of anatomy and functions typical

of a given developmental period. An early therapeutic

intervention is associated with better results. Aim. This

study aimed to create a simple tool for dentists to assess the

risk of articulation disorders using several preselected

physical and functional characteristics. Materials and

methods. Three hundred children aged 7-10 years had a dental

and speech examination performed. Using the CHAID algorithm upon assessing the disorders of the masticatory

system and coexisting speech sound disorders, it was possible

to create a decision tree to determine the probability of two

disorders occurring at the same time. Results. It was observed

that there were many correlations between individual

anatomical or functional disorders and presence of speech

sound disorders. The strength of those correlations was

measured. Mesioclusions, distoclusions, open bites, short

lingual frenulum, persistent infantile swallow pattern, mouth

breathing, and premature loss of deciduous teeth were all

determined to increase the risk of speech sound disorders

in children. Conclusions. This algorithm is a simple diagnostic

tool for dentists. It enables early detection of a high risk of

speech sound disorders. Children with particular

malocclusions should undergo speech therapy prophylaxis

and be referred to consultations with a speech therapist.

Early detection of such abnormalities will allow to avoid

not only the intensification and consolidation of speech

defects, but also certain pathologies of the oral cavity.

(Grudziąż-Sękowska J, Olczak-Kowalczyk D, Zadurska

M. Algorithm for early detection of a high risk of speech

sound disorders in children. Orthod Forum 2018; 14:

119-29).