This month is “National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness”. Considered a prevention effort to promote awareness of birth deficits, craniofacial issues are facial abnormalities. According to the CDC, an estimated 2,650 babies are born with a cleft lip or cleft palate. Unfortunately, those numbers double for babies with a cleft lip. Approximately 4,440 babies are born with cleft lip in the United States. Because of these staggering statistics, it’s important for parents to understand how the defect operates and find ways of managing these complications. In addition to physical signs, readers will learn about health complications, as well as treatment options for cleft lip and palate.
Signs and Health Complications
Craniofacial birth defects are facial irregularities in newborn babies and toddlers. Also known as orofacial clefts, some of the physical signs include splitting of the upper lip which occurs in the roof of the mouth. Unlike normal facial development where the upper lip seals together, a cleft lip results in a splitting of the upper lip. For some newborns however, the roof of the mouth known as the plate, remains open on both sides. In some cases, the facial tissues surrounding the roof of the mouth fail to come together. For example, Isolated Orofacial Clefts remains one of the most common birth defects in the United States. As a result of these defects, several complications may arise. According to John Hopkins Medicine, some of these complications include
- Eating and feeding difficulties
- Hearing loss
- Speech impediment and language delay
- Dental issues
- Self Esteem issues
Causes
The exact causes of cleft lip and cleft palate are not definitive. However, a number of genetic and environmental theories might be linked to this birth deficit. Because these deficits arise at a child’s birth, some suggest that issues during pregnancy are the primary cause of this condition. In the case of genetic factors, however, this might include an error in the genes. Environmental factors however, may also be linked to cleft lip/cleft palate. These may include smoking habits on the part of the mother during pregnancy as well as using certain medications.
Treatment and Monitoring
There are a number of options for cleft treatment. Depending on the situation and health status of the child, surgery may be an option to repair cleft lip or cleft palate. According to MayoClinic, parents considering surgical procedures should consult with a surgeon who specializes in cleft repair or a plastic surgeon. However, these procedures should occur within the first year of a child’s birth. In addition to surgical procedures, other approaches should be taken into consideration. Depending on the complications, these can include speech therapy, feeding strategies for babies, and orthodontic adjustment for teeth misplacement. Finally, it’s important to note that follow-up treatments and monitoring may be necessary. As a result, it’s important to continue to adhere to a strict compliance routine.
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References
Facts about Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate. (2017, June 27). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/birthdefects/cleftlip.html
Cleft Lip/Cleft Palate. (n.d). Retrieved from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/plastic_surgery/cleft_lipcleft_palate_90,P01847
Cleft Lip Symptoms and Causes. (n.d). Retrieved from http://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions-and-treatments/conditions/c/cleft-lip-and-cleft-palate/symptoms-and-causes
Cleft lip and Cleft Palate. (2018, May 22). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cleft-palate/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20370990
