|
Cleft lip and palate is one of the most common birth defects in babies. The cleft lip and palate results when the tissues forming the roof of the mouth and upper lip do not join before birth. This birth defect affect the upper lip and roof of the mouth of the babies and can be of various kinds, a small notch in the lip, a groove running into the roof of the mouth and nose, etc. Cleft lip and palate is a severe defect, which affects the appearance of a child. The problems during eating and talking, ear infections, etc. are also associated with it.
The babies with cleft lip and palate do not have the tissues of the mouth or lip properly formed during fetal development. Among the Native American descent and the children of Asian and Latino, cleft lip and palate is more common. These are treatable birth defects and the babies taking birth with this can undergo reconstructive surgery within the first 12 to 18 months of life to correct the defect.
|
Surgery can improve the facial appearance largely. The improper fusion of the tissues in the mouth of the babies results in the problem of cleft lip and palate. Hence, the baby suffers from the problem of cleft. The narrow opening or gap in the skin of the upper lip can extend to the base of the nose in case of a cleft lip.
In case of a cleft palate an opening exists between the roof of the mouth and the nasal cavity. The babies with clefts are prone to ear infections as well. Feeding a baby with a cleft lip or palate can be a problem. In such cases, special nipples and other devices can help to make feeding easier. Wearing a prosthetic palate called an obturator can also help a cleft child eat properly.
|
|
|
The treatment of clefts has become much advanced. The reconstructive surgery is definitely a good way of getting rid of cleft lip and palate. The plastic surgery is also of great help to overcome the appearance-related problems. The specialists who treat the clefts also help to deal with any issues related to feeding, speech, and social problems.
These doctors even show you the proper approach of dealing with the situation. The children with oral cleft require undergoing dental and orthodontic treatment, which helps in aligning the teeth and taking care of the gaps due to clefts. Routine dental care is needed for healthy teeth for the babies with clefts as it helps in proper speech.
To know more on congenital diseases in babies, browse through the pages of Pregnancyxl.com.
|
|
