Glossary

cleft lip

Short Description: What is Cleft Lip / Palate?

Long Description: 

Cleft lip and palate are birth defects that affect the upper lip and the roof of the mouth. A cleft lip is an opening or gap in the upper lip, often connected to the nostril. A cleft palate is an opening in the roof of the mouth connected with the canal of the nose. Apart from the cosmetic appearance, cleft lip / palate results in problems with feeding and speech.

What causes cleft lip/ palate?
In most cases the cause of the birth defect is not known.

What cures cleft Lip/ palate?
Cleft lip / palate can be closed by surgery. Cleft lip surgery should be done when the child is aged between 4 and 6 months and about 18 months for the palate.
Most children with a cleft lip and palate can achieve normal appearance, speech, and eating through surgery. However, some people may have continued speech problems.
Neglect of doing surgery may result in malnutrition of the child and even child death due to difficulties in feeding of the child.

What prevents cleft lip/palate?
There is no prevention for cleft lip / palate.