Different Types of Lisps and How to Treat Them
Lisps are a common speech challenge that can affect both children and adults. They occur when sounds, particularly “s” and “z”, are pronounced incorrectly due to tongue placement or airflow issues. Understanding the types of lisps and knowing how to treat them is crucial for improving communication, enhancing self-confidence, and supporting speech development.
Clear speech impacts academic performance, social interactions, and professional life. Addressing lisps early prevents frustration and ensures individuals can communicate effectively in every aspect of life.
What is a Lisp?
A lisp is a speech disorder where certain sounds are mispronounced, typically because of improper tongue placement or airflow. Most lisps affect sibilant sounds such as “s,” “z,” “sh,” and “ch.”
Common factors contributing to lisps include.
Tongue thrusting habits
Misaligned teeth or oral structure issues
Limited tongue muscle control
Learned speech patterns from early childhood
While some children naturally outgrow mild lisps, persistent patterns require professional intervention. Early diagnosis and therapy by a speech-language pathologist (SLP) is often the key to long-term improvement.
The Main Types of Lisps
Recognizing the types of lisps is essential for effective treatment. Each type has distinct features and requires targeted strategies.
nterdental Lisp
An interdental lisp occurs when the tongue protrudes between the front teeth during speech. "S" and "z" are typically affected by this misplacement, sounding like "th." For instance, "sun" can sound like "thun."
Causes:
Tongue thrusting habits
Incorrect tongue placement while speaking
Treatment:
Speech therapy exercises to train correct tongue positioning
Visual and tactile cues for proper pronunciation
Daily repetition exercises to reinforce correct speech patterns
Dentalized Lisp
A dentalized lisp occurs when the tongue presses against the front teeth rather than resting behind them. Unlike the interdental lisp, the tongue does not protrude between the teeth, but the sounds are still distorted.
Causes:
Tongue resting too far forward in the mouth
Dental alignment issues
Treatment:
Speech therapy to adjust tongue placement
Repetitive drills for “s” and “z” sounds
Dental consultation if structural alignment affects speech
Lateral Lisp
A lateral lisp happens when air escapes over the sides of the tongue instead of down the center. This produces a "slushy" or "wet" sound, primarily affecting the letters "s" and "z."
Causes:
Weak tongue muscles or limited control
Habits formed during early speech development
Treatment:
Oral-motor exercises to strengthen tongue muscles
Targeted speech drills emphasizing airflow control
Practice with minimal pairs to improve accuracy
Palatal Lisp
A palatal lisp occurs when the tongue touches the soft palate rather than the alveolar ridge while producing sounds. This leads to a nasalized or distorted “s” and “z.”
Causes:
Incorrect tongue placement habits
Variations in oral anatomy, such as a high palate
Treatment:
Speech therapy focused on correct tongue placement
Auditory feedback techniques to recognize proper sounds
Ongoing reinforcement exercises for consistency
Tips for Treating Lisps
While treatment varies by lisp type, these strategies improve outcomes:
Early intervention: Younger children typically respond faster to therapy.
Consistent practice: Daily exercises reinforce proper tongue placement and airflow.
Parental involvement: Modeling correct speech and providing reminders helps maintain progress.
Professional guidance: A licensed SLP can design a personalized plan.
Positive reinforcement: Encouragement boosts motivation and engagement.
Before starting your journey to clearer speech, check out our guide on How to Prepare for Your First Teletherapy Speech Session
Why Treating Lisps Matters
Untreated lisps can affect:
Academic performance: Challenges in reading, pronunciation, and presentations
Social confidence: Reluctance to speak in groups or public settings
Professional communication: Clear speech is essential in interviews, presentations, and networking
Early therapy ensures improved speech clarity, confidence, and overall quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should a lisp be treated?
Persistent lisps beyond age 5–6 should be evaluated by a speech-language pathologist.
Can adults benefit from lisp therapy?
Yes. Adults can improve speech clarity through targeted therapy and consistent practice.
Are lisps caused by dental issues?
Sometimes. Misaligned teeth can contribute, but tongue habits and oral motor control are usually key factors.
How long does lisp therapy take?
Duration depends on type and severity. Many see noticeable improvement within a few months.
Can lisps return after therapy?
Relapses are rare if exercises are maintained, though periodic review helps ensure continued progress.
Conclusion
Recognizing the types of lisps is the first step toward clear, confident speech. Interdental, dentalized, lateral, or palatal lisps all benefit from early intervention, consistent exercises, and professional guidance. With the right support and practice, individuals of all ages can overcome lisps, achieve clearer communication, and improve confidence in social, academic, and professional settings.
By receiving proper guidance and practicing regularly, people of all ages can conquer lisps, speak more clearly, and build confidence in every setting with Sparkling Speech Therapy.
