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Cleft Lip And Cleft Palate – Synopsis
The face is the first part, which we see when we meet someone. Everyone these days is conscious about their looks. But sometimes, due to some complications during pregnancy or some other issue, kids are born with Cleft lip or Cleft Palate.
Cleft lip is a problem in which there is an opening in the upper lip, which at times extends till the nose. The opening may be at one side, or both side or maybe just in the middle portion of the face. Cleft Palate is an opening into the nose from the roof of the mouth. Cleft lip and Cleft Palate is also called as an orofacial cleft. Cleft lip and Cleft Palate can cause many serious problems, like a problem during feeding, the difficulty in speech and hearing problems as well. Medical science has solved many significant problems, and this is one of them.
Causes Of Cleft Lip And Cleft Palate
There are two underlying causes behind the formation of Cleft lip and Cleft Palate, and these are genetic and environmental
1. Hereditary Causes
Sometimes this problem is passed on from generation to generation in a family. In some situations, genetic cause for some are known, and some cases are still unknown. Variation in genes, i.e., mutations also plays a vital role in the formation of Cleft lip or Cleft Palate.
2. Environmental Causes
Environmental or external factors also cause orofacial. Ecological factors are connected to genetic factors. Gene PHF8 is an essential gene, a mutation in this causes cleft lip-cleft palate. The other’s health affects the child’s when in the womb. If the mother is addicted to smoking or drinking, then she may suffer from hypoxia, which may eventually affect the baby.
Some other external factors which cause Cleft lip or Cleft Palate in a child include exposure to some pesticides, use of drugs (heroin, crack, cocaine) by parents, cigarette smoking, drinking, etc. by parents ultimately affects their child.
Symptoms Of Cleft Lip And Cleft Palate
After the birth of a baby, a cleft lip can be easily identified. Sometimes the structure of the face is affected, while other times it is not. It depends on the position of the cleft. A cleft in the roof of the mouth does not affect the structure, but the cleft in the lip, which extends till nose inevitably changes a person’s face. People suffering from these may show symptoms like:
- Problem with feedings
- The difficulty in swallowing, and sometimes the liquids or food flows out of their nose.
- Ear infections multiple times
- Voice from nose
Prevention Of Cleft Lip And Cleft Palate
No one would want their child to go through such problems. It can be prevented by being cautious about a few things; parents play a vital role in preventing their kid from such issues.
Genes play an important role in causing Cleft lip or Cleft Palate. So, therefore, it is essential for parents to know the chances of their kids to have these problems, especially when there are some earlier cases of clefts in the family.
Prenatal vitamins are also prescribed by a doctor to some women, to reduce the risk of Cleft lip or cleft palate in a kid.
Parents, especially mother should not avoid smoking and drinking during pregnancy. These directly affect a child’s health, and there are chances that the child born may not be like healthy kids.
Treatment Of Cleft Lip And Cleft Palate
These days, almost everything is treatable. The only possible treatment for this problem is surgery. But the type of surgery to be performed depends on the kind of Cleft and the doctors in charge. Usually, an operation is completed within 2 to 3 months after birth. The craniofacial team works and looks after the patient, they analyze the entire situation and act accordingly. They know their work best. Sometimes only one surgery is sufficient, and sometimes two surgeries are required. When there is teamwork involved, then the chances of a favorable outcome enhances.
Important Article: Top 10 Reasons To Go For A Dental Check-Up Regularly
These days many doctors are available who work in this field and at almost all the places. A Danforth Dentist, Dr. Claudia Wood, highly recommends visiting a dentist immediate when the signs of cleft lift or palate are observed.