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This article outlines how sounds are produced and how speech and language develop, in the child. The assessment of speech by a speech and language therapist is briefly described. It then discusses the evidence for an impact of occlusion, and the loss or absence of teeth on speech. In summary there is a possibility that the loss, absence or malalignment of teeth may affect speech but unfortunately the evidence base is weak. CPD/Clinical relevance: Dental care professionals should understand the development of speech and how dental health potentially affects speech.