Cleft lip and palate Health Article

Definition

Cleft lip and palate are birth defects that affect the upper lip and the roof of the mouth.

Alternative Names

Cleft palate; Craniofacial defect

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

There are many causes for of cleft lip and palate. Problems with genes passed down from one or both parents, drugs, viruses, or other toxins can all cause such birth defects. Cleft lip and palate may occur along with other syndromes or birth defects.

A cleft lip and palate can affect the appearance of one's face, and may lead to problems with feeding and speech, as well as ear infections. Problems may range from a small notch in the lip to a complete groove that runs into the roof of the mouth and nose. These features may occur separately or together.

Risk factors include a family history of cleft lip or palate and other birth defect. About 1 out of 2,500 people have a cleft palate.

Symptoms

A child may have one or more of these conditions at birth.

A cleft lip may be just a small notch in the lip. It may also be a complete split in the lip that goes all the way to the base of the nose.

A cleft palate can be on one or both sides of the roof of the mouth. It may go the full length of the palate.

Other symptoms include:

• Misaligned teeth
• Change in nose shape (amount of distortion varies)

Problems that may be present because of a cleft lip or palate are:

• Failure to gain weight
• Feeding problems
• Flow of milk through nasal passages during feeding
• Misaligned teeth
• Poor growth
• Recurrent ear infections
• Speech difficulties

Signs and tests

A physical examination of the mouth, nose, and palate confirms a cleft lip or cleft palate. Medical tests may be done to rule out other possible health conditions.