Australian Dental Council (ADC) Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

A common dental issue associated with cleft palates is indeed speech defects. Cleft palates can significantly affect the structure of the mouth and the way in which sounds are produced. The separation in the palate can lead to improper function of the oral cavity, which plays a critical role in forming speech sounds. This anatomical difference may result in difficulties such as nasal speech quality or trouble articulating certain sounds, making speech defects a prominent concern for individuals with this condition.

In addition to speech challenges, individuals with cleft palates may also face other dental problems like increased risk of cavities due to irregular tooth positioning and difficulty with oral hygiene. While gum infections and bruxism can occur in these patients, they are not as directly linked to the cleft palate itself as speech defects are. Understanding these connections is vital for effective management and support for individuals with cleft palates, emphasizing the importance of a multidisciplinary approach involving dental professionals and speech therapists.