Question
After the newborn is born, a slight fork at the tip of the tongue is discovered. I would like to know if this symptom is normal and what potential effects it may have in the future.
Answer
A forked tip of the tongue is a typical symptom of a short lingual frenulum. It is advisable to seek medical attention at the oral department for a minor corrective surgery as soon as possible to stabilize speech. Such surgeries are simple and usually do not require anesthesia; they typically involve cutting the lingual frenulum. The sooner the surgery is performed, the less impact it will have on future language development. Delaying treatment not only requires anesthesia but may also result in unclear articulation, which can be difficult to correct even after surgery, so it is best to undergo the surgery as early as possible.