CleftLip & Cleft Palate
Cleftlip is a split on one or two sides of the upper lip & appears as a narrow gap in the skin of the upper lip. Cleft lip and cleft palate are facial and oral abnormally formed at very early in pregnancy. This problem results when there is no required tissue in the mouth or lip area or the available tissue does not join together properly. Cleft palate is an opening in the upper part of the mouth. Medication a mother may have taken during her pregnancy may cause clefting. Cleft lip and cleft palate may also happen as a result of exposure to viruses or chemicals while the fetus.
Problems Associated With Cleft Lip or Cleft Palate?
- Eating problems
- Ear infections/hearing loss
- Speech problems
- Dental Problems, etc
A cleft lip requires one or two surgeries depending time needed for correct the problem. The initial surgery is usually carried when the baby is 3 month old. Correction of Palate also requires multiple surgeries. The initial surgery reduces the chance for developing fluid in the middle ear.
