Cleft palate is a birth defect that causes an opening in the mouth or lips due to incorrect mouth formation during embryonic development. It affects speech and feeding, and surgery is often required. The cause is unknown but may be inherited or related to maternal illness, tobacco, drugs, or alcohol use during pregnancy. Surgery is controversial, and a team of specialists is required for treatment.
A cleft palate is an opening in the hard or soft palate in the mouth. It can also appear on the lips. The openings usually occur when the baby is still forming before birth. Cleft palate is caused by incorrect mouth formation.
During the embryonic stage where the baby is forming, growth in the mouth may not occur in the correct directions. Also, during this stage, the bonding of the bones inside the mouth may not occur. Cleft palate occurs almost twice as often in males as in females.
A cleft palate can be a single occurrence in the mouth, or it can affect both the lips and the inside of the mouth. Areas of the mouth that can be affected are the soft area in the back of the mouth and the hard area in the palate. Splitting can also proceed to the gum area, teeth, and lip. Doctors don’t know why a cleft palate occurs, but it is thought to be an inherited problem. The mother’s illness during pregnancy or the use of tobacco, drugs or alcohol may also play a role.
The separation of the nasal and oral cavities also results from cleft palate. A baby with cleft palate will have difficulty sucking, as they cannot maintain adequate sucking action. People with cleft palate also have difficulty with speech. The only option in these cases may be to perform surgery.
There has been much controversy about the right time to have prosthetic surgery done for someone with cleft palate. The dispute centers on whether to allow the facial bones to grow to full growth or to have the operation done before speech impairment occurs. The operation involves reconstructive surgery and the child must consult a team of specialists.
The team of specialists usually includes a plastic surgeon, dentist, orthodontist, and speech therapist. People with cleft palates are also susceptible to ear infections, so an audiologist will also be part of the team. There will also be a social worker or psychologist involved after or before surgery to help with emotional and social issues.
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