Cleft Lip and Palate – Causes, Treatment, and Support
What is a Cleft Lip and Palate?
A cleft lip occurs when the tissue that forms the upper lip does not join properly before birth, resulting in an opening or gap in the lip. This can be a small notch or a large opening that reaches up into the nose. A cleft palate, on the other hand, happens when the roof of the mouth (palate) does not close completely during fetal development, leaving an opening that may affect eating and speaking.
Some children may have only a cleft lip, some may have only a cleft palate, and others may have varying combinations of both.
What Causes It?
The exact cause of cleft lip and palate is not always clear, but is influenced by a variety of factors, such as:
- Genetics – If a parent, or sibling had a cleft, the baby may be more likely to develop one.
- Nutritional Deficiencies
- Exposure to Certain Medications or Drugs
- Medical Conditions – Some syndromes and conditions increase the likelihood of a cleft.
Challenges for Children with Clefts
Cleft lip and palate are one of the most common craniofacial conditions and result in difficulties for a child, but these challenges can be managed with the properly timed treatments by a specialized team. Babies may have trouble feeding, especially if they have a cleft palate since they can’t create enough suction to drink properly. Speech development can also be affected because the separation in the palate and prior surgery may alter how sounds are formed. Dental issues, hearing problems and recurrent ear infection due to fluid buildup in the ears, and concerns related to self-confidence are additional items doctors will address
How is it Treated?
Treatment for cleft lip and palate often starts early in life and involves a team of specialists, including surgeons, orthodontists, speech therapists, dentists, and pediatricians. These children often require multiple operations, typically beginning at 3-6 months of life for cleft lips and approximately 1 year for cleft palates. These surgeries help restore normal function and improve appearance. Some children may need speech therapy to help with pronunciation, dental care to correct tooth alignment, and hearing support if ear infections become a problem. Speech surgery, orthognathic (jaw) surgery, and rhinoplasty (nose surgery) are also considered at the appropriate time points if indicated.
Living with a Cleft Lip and Palate
With the proper medical care and support, many children born with clefts grow up just like any other kids–they simply require some operations. Many organizations and support groups exist to help parents navigate this journey, offering guidance on feeding, speech development, and emotional well-being. Encouraging confidence and self-esteem in children with clefts is also of paramount importance.
A Specialist You Can Trust: Dr. Demetri Coombs
If you or a loved one needs specialized care for cleft lip and palate, Dr. Demetri Coombs has a special interest in reconstructive craniofacial surgery. With advanced training and a deep commitment to quality, safety, and compassionate care, Dr. Coombs provides personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs. His thoughtful approach is aimed at helping families feel confident in their child’s care and future and he is dedicated to helping patients achieve the best possible outcomes. Contact us today!