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Cleft lip and cleft palate
are birth defects that occur when a baby's lip or mouth
do not form properly. They happen early during
pregnancy. A baby can have a cleft lip, a cleft palate,
or both.
A cleft lip happens if the
tissue that makes up the lip does not join completely
before birth. This causes an opening in the upper lip.
The opening can be a small slit or a large opening that
goes through the lip into the nose. It can be on one or
both sides of the lip or, rarely, in the middle of the
lip.
Children with a cleft lip
also can have a cleft palate. The roof of the mouth is
called the "palate." With a cleft palate, the tissue
that makes up the roof of the mouth does not join
correctly. Babies may have both the front and back parts
of the palate open, or they may have only one part open.
Children with a cleft lip or
a cleft palate often have problems with feeding and
talking. They also might have ear infections, hearing
loss, and problems with their teeth.
Often, surgery can close the
lip and palate. Cleft lip surgery is usually done before
age 12 months, and cleft palate surgery is done before
18 months. Many children have other complications. They
may need additional surgeries, dental and orthodontic
care, and speech therapy as they get older. With
treatment, most children with clefts do well and lead a
healthy life.
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