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Cleft lip and palate are birth defects that happen because a baby's lip or palate did not grow properly while the mother was pregnant. Whereas a cleft palate is an opening on the roof of the mouth, a cleft lip is a gap or split in the upper lip. These disorders can damage a child's capacity to eat, talk, and even breathe correctly, either alone or in concert.
The exact cause of cleft lip and palate is unknown, but it is thought to be a mix of genetic and environmental factors, such as a mother smoking, using some drugs, or not eating properly while she is pregnant. Usually, prenatal ultrasounds or shortly after birth help diagnose problems.
Treatment mainly consists of surgical repair, which is usually done in the first year of life for a cleft lip and before 18 months for a cleft palate. To guarantee appropriate speech development and facial growth, other treatments, including speech therapy, orthodontics, and specialised dental care, could be required.
With early intervention and a multidisciplinary approach involving paediatricians, surgeons, and speech therapists, children with cleft lip and palate can lead healthy, happy lives with improved function and appearance.