Baby / 7 September, 2026 / Ellie Thompson

Is Tongue-Tie Being Misdiagnosed?

Has tongue-tie become the go-to explanation for breastfeeding difficulties? With NHS figures suggesting tongue-tie affects between 4% and 11% of newborn babies, breastfeeding expert and author Clare Byam-Cook asks whether the condition is increasingly being overdiagnosed – and whether some feeding problems could instead be resolved with better breastfeeding support.

Here, Clare explains what tongue-tie is, the signs parents should look for, when to seek a second opinion and when treatment may genuinely be beneficial.

Is Tongue-Tie Being Overdiagnosed?

I was delighted to be invited to write this article about tongue-tie because, in my opinion – and that of many others – tongue-tie has become very overdiagnosed in recent years.

The NHS website says that only 4% to 11% of babies are affected by tongue-tie, yet many more than this are being diagnosed. In the past, I only saw a few babies a year who had a tongue-tie, but now approximately eight out of every 10 mothers who consult me have been told that their baby has one.

Some of these mothers have not yet had their baby’s tongue-tie cut, while others have had the procedure but seen no improvement in their breastfeeding problems.

In many cases, I can demonstrate that what has been diagnosed as a tongue-tie does not need to be cut by showing the mother how to latch her baby on more effectively, which can resolve the feeding problem.

So, are we simply getting better at diagnosing tongue-tie – or is it increasingly being used as the go-to explanation for breastfeeding problems?

What Is Tongue-Tie In Babies?

Tongue-tie is a condition where the frenulum – a strip of tissue tethering the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth – is shorter or tighter than usual, restricting the baby’s ability to move their tongue freely.

The frenulum may also extend too far towards the tip of the tongue, creating a V-shaped notch at the end of the tongue, which can be clearly visible.

What Feeding Problems Can Tongue-Tie Cause?
A severe tongue-tie can cause a number of feeding problems. It may make it harder for a baby to open their mouth widely enough to latch properly, contribute to sore nipples or make it difficult for them to feed effectively from the breast or bottle.

Other possible signs include very long feeds, swallowing lots of air or making a clicking noise while feeding.

However, many of these problems can also be caused by a baby not latching effectively. A tongue-tie therefore only needs treating if it is actually causing a problem.

How Do I Know If My Baby’s Tongue-Tie Needs Treatment?

If your baby has been diagnosed with a tongue-tie, it can be helpful to seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified healthcare professional before making a decision about treatment.

It is also worth asking your midwife or healthcare team about breastfeeding support available in your area.

If improving your baby’s latch resolves the feeding difficulties, treatment for tongue-tie may not be necessary. However, if breastfeeding problems persist and your baby has a tongue-tie that is restricting their tongue movement and affecting feeding, further assessment can help determine whether treatment may be beneficial.

What Is The Treatment For Tongue-Tie?

The procedure used to divide a tongue-tie is known as a frenulotomy. In young babies, this is generally a quick procedure in which the restrictive frenulum beneath the tongue is divided.

Treatment may be available through the NHS depending on local services, and there are also private tongue-tie practitioners.

Some babies may be diagnosed with a less obvious restriction towards the back of the tongue, sometimes referred to as a posterior tongue-tie. These cases can be more difficult to assess, making appropriate specialist evaluation particularly important before deciding whether any intervention is necessary.

Getting The Right Breastfeeding Support

Breastfeeding can sometimes be difficult in the early days, and I would urge mothers experiencing problems not to panic or immediately assume that there is something wrong with their baby that requires urgent treatment.

With the right help and advice, many breastfeeding difficulties can improve without medical intervention, allowing feeding to become an easier and more enjoyable bonding experience for both mother and baby.

If you have concerns about tongue-tie or feeding, seek appropriate breastfeeding and medical support, ask questions and don’t be afraid to get a second opinion before deciding on treatment.

Good luck!

Article by Clare Byam-Cook

Clare Byam-Cook is a breastfeeding expert and author of What to Expect When You’re Breastfeeding… And What If You Can’t? She is also an expert speaker at The Baby Show, returning to Olympia London from 23rd–25th October 2026.

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