Cleft palate

A cleft palate is a birth defect which affects the upper lip and the palate (the roof of the mouth). The term cleft refers to an opening; this can sometimes occur in the lip or the palate and sometimes in both. Clefts are fairly common; it is estimated that 1 in 700 babies is born with a cleft of some sort. The cause of cleft palates is currently unknown; however specialists believe it is commonly caused as a result of other birth defects.

Problems Associated with a Cleft Palate

Cleft palates can cause problems related to speech, hearing, oral health and feeding; they can also cause serious physical disfiguration which can provoke issues of self-confidence in later life.

Treating a Cleft Palate

Depending on the severity of the cleft, this condition can be rectified with a fairly straight-forward surgical procedure. It is often easier to treat a cleft lip than a cleft palate as the lip is more accessible. If the cleft is more severe the surgery will be more complex and may require prolonged healthcare; further surgery may be required after a period of time.

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