Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate: Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment
Cleft lip and cleft palate are two congenital conditions that can have a significant impact on a child’s life. These birth defects, also known as orofacial clefts, occur when the baby’s mouth or lip doesn’t form properly during pregnancy. While these conditions come with various challenges, the positive news is that children born with cleft lip and cleft palate can lead fulfilling lives with appropriate care and support.
This blog post delves into the complexities of cleft lip and cleft palate, offering insights into their causes, symptoms, and treatment options. It emphasizes the critical role that speech therapy and speech pathologists play in helping children overcome these challenges. Furthermore, it highlights the significance of finding top-notch speech therapists in Dubai for those seeking support in that region.
What is cleft lip?
A baby’s lip forms between the fourth and seventh weeks of pregnancy. As the baby develops, body tissue and special cells from each side of the head grow towards the center, forming the face. A cleft lip occurs if the tissue does not join completely before birth, resulting in an opening in the upper lip.
What is cleft palate?
The roof of the moth-palate-forms between the sixth and ninth weeks of pregnancy. A cleft palate occurs when the tissue that forms the palate does not join completely before birth.
What causes cleft palate?
- Smoking: Women who smoke during pregnancy are more likely to have a baby with orofacial clefts.
- Diabetes: Women with diabetes have an increased risk of having a child with cleft lip and/or cleft palate.
What are the symptoms of cleft lip and cleft palate?
- A split in the lip and roof of the mouth (palate) that affects one or both sides of the face.
- A split in the lip that appears as only a small notch in the lip or extends from the lip through the upper gum and palate into the bottom of the nose.
- A split in the roof of the mouth that doesn’t affect the appearance of the face.
- Children with cleft palate and cleft lip have difficulties feeding and speaking clearly. They can also have chronic ear and dental problems and a nasal speaking voice.
How is cleft palate treated?
A cleft palate is treated by a surgical process called palatoplasty when the baby is 10-12 months old. The goals are to:
- Close the opening between the nose and mouth.
- Help create a palate that works well for speech.
- Prevent food and liquid from leaking out of the nose.
What does the child need after the surgery?
After the surgery, a speech and language therapy is recommended to assist the child’s speech and language development and to monitor the feeding problems that may occur.
In addition, a monitoring hearing is important; a baby born with cleft palate has a high risk of forming glue ear, which can severely affect hearing. Hearing aid or grommets may be fitted in the ears to drain the fluid.
Tips for feeding
- To be on a liquid diet for about 1-2 weeks, then eat soft food for several more weeks before switching to a regular diet.
- To be in a special position when being breastfed or may need to be fed food via a special bottle.
In conclusion, with the right support and care, individuals can overcome cleft lip and cleft palate. We have discussed the causes, symptoms, and surgical treatments associated with these conditions. However, it is important to emphasize the significant impact that speech therapy has in transforming lives. Expert centers like Talking Brains Center play a crucial role in providing this essential therapy.
If your child is dealing with these conditions, Talking Brains Center can provide specialized speech therapy services. Our therapists will help unlock clearer speech, address feeding issues, and monitor hearing concerns. With improved communication skills, you or your child can gain more confidence in daily interactions.
If you’re looking for a reputable speech therapist in Dubai, Talking Brains Center is an excellent option. With their expertise and your determination, individuals with cleft lip and palate can flourish and discover their unique voice while overcoming obstacles.