Cleft lip and palate
Cleft lip and cleft palate are birth defects of the upper lip and palate (roof of the mouth). About one in every 700 to 1000 babies will be born with one of these conditions.
Cleft defects can be divided into three main groups:
- cleft lip only;
- cleft palate only; and
- cleft lip and palate.
The cleft may be present on one side or both sides of the face. Cleft defects may occur on their own, or together with other birth defects.
What causes cleft defects to develop?
Cleft lip and palate result from failure of structures in the face and mouth to join together normally in the early stages of pregnancy.
It is not known exactly what causes cleft lip and palate. In some cases there will be a family history of the condition, but environmental factors also appear to play a role.
What is the treatment?
Most babies born in Australia with cleft lip and/or palate will be assessed and managed by a specialised multidisciplinary care team.
Babies born with cleft lip can usually breast feed. However, babies born with cleft palate often can’t generate enough suction to breast feed. Babies with cleft palate may be fed with expressed breast milk or formula using special teats and bottles. Those with a large cleft palate may need a special plate inserted in the roof of the mouth to help them feed.
The timing varies, but surgery to close a cleft lip can usually be performed at about 3 months of age. Surgical repair of a cleft palate is usually carried out between 9 and 12 months. Some children with cleft palate may require further surgery at a later stage.
Associated problems
Children with cleft palate are more prone to ‘glue ear’ (chronic fluid build-up in the middle ear), which may result in hearing problems. Regular checkups will help to detect this, and, if necessary, drainage tubes (grommets) can be surgically inserted.
Speech therapy can be helpful for those children with cleft palate who have speech problems.
Dental caries and other dental problems are also more common in children with cleft palate, so regular dental check ups will be required.
Cleft palate may also be associated with disorders of sleep breathing, and these children will need referral for specialist assessment and management.
Last Reviewed: 19 October 2007
