What is Cleft Lip & Palate?
What Is Cleft Lip & Palate?
Cleft lip and palate Cleft lip and cleft palate are birth defects that occur when a baby’s lip and/or the roof of the mouth (palate) don’t fully close during pregnancy. This can result in an opening or split in the lip or palate. Clefts can range in severity and may occur on one or both sides of the lip or palate. Babies with these conditions may experience feeding difficulties, speech problems, ear infections, and dental issues. Treatment typically involves surgery to close the clefts, along with other therapies like speech therapy and dental care.
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Descriptions and Understanding:
Cleft lip:
- A cleft lip is a spot or opening in the upper lip that can range from a small notch to a more significant opening that extends into the nose.
- It can occur on one side of the lip (unilateral) or both sides (bilateral), and rarely in the middle.
- The lip tissue doesn’t join completely before birth.
Cleft palate:
- A cleft palate is an opening or a split in the roof of the mouth. this can involve the hard palate (the bony front part) and/or the soft palate (the soft tissue at the back).
- It can involve the hard palate (the bony front part) and/or the soft palate (the soft back part).
- The tissue that forms the palate doesn’t join together during pregnancy.
Causes:
- While the exact cause of cleft op and palate is often unknown, it’s believed to be a coronation of genetic and environmental factors during pregnancy.
- Family history of clefting increases the risk.
- Certain medications, tobacco use, and alcohol consumption during pregnancy can also increase the risk.
- Not getting enough folate during the first trimester may also play a role.
- Cleft lip is more common in males, while cleft palate without cleft lip is more common in females.
Treatment:
- Treatment typically involves surgery to close the clefts, followed by speech therapy, dental care, and other supportive therapies as needed.
Wondering About Developmental Milestones?
Have questions about your child’s development, or wondering how milestones will differ with cleft lip & palate? Contact our team today to learn more!