What is Cleft Lip and Palate?
Cleft lip and palate is a common congenital deformity. It occurs when the separate areas of the face that develop individually and then join together, do not join properly.
- A cleft lip is an opening between the upper lip and the nose and looks like a split in the lip.
- A cleft palate occurs when the roof of the mouth has not joined completely.
- The conditions may occur separately or be combined.
What Causes Cleft Lip and Palate?
The cause of clefts is not entirely understood. Sometimes the condition runs in the family, sometimes there is no discernible reason for the cleft.
What Cures Cleft Lip and Palate?
Reconstructive surgery improves the condition immediately and dramatically while neglect of the condition may lead to malnutrition or even death due to the difficulty of feeding children with a cleft lip and palate.
