If you notice something unusual with the formation of your baby’s lips or mouth, there is no need to panic if the diagnosis is a cleft lip or cleft palate. These common birth defects are treatable, and your child will likely end up with few or no problems in later life from them. Most of these defects are repaired by 12-18 months of age. Learning more about these problems will help you know what to expect.
Birth defects
Cleft lip and cleft palate are both birth defects that occur early in fetal development. A cleft lip occurs when the portions of the face that should join to form the upper lip stay split instead. When this happens in the palate, or roof of the mouth, it is called a cleft palate. A person can be born with one or both of these defects, and they can be genetic or the result of environmental exposures during pregnancy.
Results
Cleft lip and cleft palates may cause a variety of problems. They can affect the facial appearance, and cause problems eating and speaking. These defects also sometimes lead to misaligned teeth, ear infections, and even hearing loss.
Repair
Both of these oral defects can be corrected with surgery at a very young age, such as three to six months. For severe defects, multiple surgeries may be required. Minor defects may be overlooked initially, but a thorough examination by a doctor or dentist usually diagnoses these problems.
Recovery
As the child grows, orthodontic treatment is often needed and palate expansion is commonly required as well. As for all children, good dental care is important in maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Regular visits to the dentist are crucial, not only for oral health maintenance but also to ensure that no further treatment is necessary related to the cleft lip or cleft palate.