Evaluation of Parental Awareness about Association of Premature Loss of Primary Maxillary Anterior Teeth and Speech Changes in Preschool Children: A Survey Study

Purpose: This study purpose was to compare Indian parental perceptions about speech changes seen in their children following premature extractions of maxillary primary incisors (PEMPI) and their Awareness regarding role of primary maxillary incisors in proper speech development of the child. Methods : Parents of healthy 3 to 6-year-old children, with mild, moderate or severely decayed primary maxillary incisors or had premature extraction done of primary maxillary incisors, were recruited for the study. Those parents were made to take part in a questionnaire survey regarding their perceptions about speech changes in their child following extraction and their awareness regarding role of primary maxillary incisors in the development of proper speech in the child. Results : Of 265 patients, only 10 (3.9%) felt their children sounded different following extractions, but contrary to this 28 (11%) reported difficulty with pronunciation of the “s and z” sound, including those parents who did not notice speech changes following extraction ,showing that parents were unsure about timings of speech changes . Also parents were asked questions regarding their knowledge and perception regarding role of primary maxillary incisors in development of proper speech,73 (28.6%) parents were aware of role of upper anterior teeth in development of normal speech. Conclusion: In Indian population parents awareness was found to be low regarding association of premature loss of primary maxillary anterior teeth and speech changes.