Cleft Lip & Palate Information

Cleft lip and palate are birth defects that occur when the roof of the mouth or the lip tissues do not grow together or form properly during development of the fetus. Cleft lip and palate can occur separately or together, and they can occur on either side of a child's mouth or both sides. This condition is treatable with reconstructive surgery.

Cleft Lip

A cleft lip is evident by a narrow gap in the skin of a child's upper lip that goes to the base of his nose. It is a condition that may be detected during a prenatal ultrasound. According to Kids Health, cleft lip is more common among boys than girls. Cleft lip alters his appearance, which can result in self-esteem issues. It has commonly been referred to as harelip.

Cleft Palate

A cleft palate is a gap between a child's nasal cavity and the roof of her mouth. It may run from the front to the rear of the palate or may be only a partial cleft. According to Kids Health, this condition is more common among girls, and in many cases they do not have a cleft lip along with it.

Causes

According to Kids Health, the cause of cleft lip or palate is not known, but it is thought that it may be influenced by genetic and environmental conditions. Environmental factors can include illnesses, drugs and the use of tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy. There is a higher risk for your child to be born with a cleft if you have a family history of the condition, or if you have other children that were born with clefts.

Complications

Complications of cleft lip or palate include hearing loss, speech defects and middle ear infections. Because the cleft may prevent the child's eustachian tubes from draining fluid from his middle ear properly, the fluid accumulates and can develop into an infection. There may be dental problems as well, including missing teeth, malformed or displaced teeth, cavities or extra teeth. Feeding an infant with a cleft lip or palate can also be difficult. Special equipment and nipples are available to help with this problem.

Treatment

Treatment for cleft lip or palate is reconstructive surgery and, in some cases, plastic surgery to help with the child's appearance. It usually takes place between three and six months of age for cleft lip and between nine and 14 months for cleft palate. The treatment and surgical team may involve an otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat doctor), an oral surgeon, a plastic surgeon, an orthodontist, a dentist, an audiologist, a nurse coordinator, a speech pathologist and a psychologist. These specialists will monitor the child's progress, including the areas of speech, hearing, nutrition, emotional state and dental health.

Considerations

Dental work and orthodontia may be necessary for the alignment of the child's teeth and to attend to gaps in his teeth. He may also need speech therapy to develop his communication skills. You can expect the child to have emotional and social issues due to his appearance. If you have a child with these problems, you may find psychological counseling necessary for emotional support. The Cleft Palate Foundation offers information and education regarding cleft lip and palate.