baby with cleft lip

Cleft Lip and Palate

For a child, a cleft lip or palate can interfere with speech, eating, and breathing. For parents, it can be heartbreaking.

However, children born with a split in their upper lip or the roof of their mouths can undergo surgery to close the gap. 

What does this condition mean for your child? 

baby with cleft lip

Understanding the Basics of Cleft Lips and Palates

Cleft Lip

While cleft lips and palates are often seen together, they can occur separately. A cleft lip can involve not just the lip, but the nose and portions of the upper jaw, as well. Statistically, it is more common in boys.

Cleft Palate

Seen more often in girls, this opening can extend the full length of the roof of the mouth. It creates a direct connection between the mouth and nasal passages, often interfering with breathing, eating, drinking, and speaking. 

Cleft Lips and Palates are One of the Most Common Birth Defects in the U.S.

Getting a Diagnosis

In most cases, it is extremely difficult to predict whether your child will have an orofacial defect before birth, even with an ultrasound. However, a genetic counselor can sometimes identify the possibility and provide advice during a consultation.  

While the presence of a cleft lip or palate is usually obvious once a child is born, a plastic surgeon or craniofacial surgeon can diagnose their specific skeletal and soft tissue abnormalities. Based on this examination, they can begin to coordinate treatment with other specialists. 

genetic counselor

Understanding the Risk Factors

While some experts have suggested that there is a genetic component to having a cleft lip or palate, others suspect that exposure to certain medications during pregnancy plays a more significant role. Diabetes and smoking can also interfere with a baby's development. 

Understanding Your Control Over the Risk of a Cleft Lip or Palate

No Guarantees

Because the cause of a cleft lip and palate is still unknown, there is no certain way to prevent the condition
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Discuss Your Meds with Your Doctor

If a doctor prescribes medication while you are pregnant, be sure to discuss the potential risks and impact it can have upon your child with both that doctor and your OB-GYN

Avoid Tobacco Products

Avoiding smoking and other tobacco products during pregnancy may also reduce the risk. 

With treatment, most children with orofacial clefts do well and lead a healthy life. Center for Disease Control and Prevention

Treatment Is a Long and In-Depth Process

Depending on the severity of the defects, treatment can involve a series of surgical procedures starting soon after birth and continuing throughout childhood and into early adulthood. 

However, because the condition affects the bone, soft tissue, and teeth, the American Cleft Palate – Craniofacial Association recommends that a special interdisciplinary group of healthcare providers take responsibility for coordinating the treatment of children suffering from these defects. 

These cleft and craniofacial teams typically include surgeons, orthodontists, prosthodontists, speech pathologists, and auditory specialists who work together to provide treatment. They are located throughout the United States and internationally

Those interested in finding and contacting the nearest team are encouraged to visit the Cleft and Craniofacial Teams and Centers website for more information. 

The Results of Treatment Will Leave Only a Faint Scar

Child before, during, and after cleft lip repairChild before, during, and after cleft lip repair

Life after Treatment

Most children who receive appropriate treatment for their cleft lip and cleft palate recover from the physical and psychological problems and lead happy and productive lives. However, it is a long and difficult road for both the child and the parents. Affected families are encouraged to seek out support groups.

Speak to a Professional as Soon as Possible

Immediate treatment is essential to helping your child overcome the many challenges posed by a cleft lip or palate. Reach out today to schedule a consultation with a specialist and discuss your situation. 

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Burns Family Dentistry

Dr. Greg Burns can use his practice's cutting-edge technology to help your entire family achieve and maintain healthy smiles for life. He holds a Doctorate of Dental Surgery from LSU School of Dentistry and is a member of different professional organizations, including:

  • American Dental Association
  • Louisiana Dental Association

If you're ready to receive first-rate dental care, request a consultation online or call our Shreveport, LA, office at (318) 575-0640.

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