Question
Why do toddlers speak unclearly when they say more than four words?
Answer
Unclear speech in toddlers can be attributed to tongue structure issues, such as a short frenulum (the band of tissue under the tongue), or damage to the brain’s language center. Generally, if there is no brain injury, the problem likely lies with the tongue. However, if there has been no specialist hospital check-up, it is recommended to visit the pediatric department of a provincial children’s hospital for an otolaryngology outpatient consultation to undergo a more thorough examination. If treatment has not been started by the age of three, the best treatment window may be missed, so early detection and treatment are preferable.