In the Know for You to Know

Do you know why July is extra important? Yes, it’s the middle of summer and thoughts of school are still many weeks away. Maybe you’re still looking forward to your family’s vacation get a way. And yes, July does have national ice cream day.

July is also significant since it’s National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness Month. This month recognizes and brings awareness to cleft lip, cleft palate and the numerous craniofacial conditions, and highlights the importance of compassionate coordinated care.

Being the parent of a newborn with a cleft lip, cleft palate, or craniofacial syndrome can feel overwhelming. Parents wonder how people may react when they see their baby. Parents also worry about how this will affect their child long term, both developmentally and socially.

Today, I’m sharing an overview of what cleft lip and/or palate is for parents, loved ones, and every one who wants to learn more.

Did You Know?

Cleft lip and/or cleft palate is one of the most common birth defects in the world.

1 in 700 babies globally are born with a cleft lip, a cleft palate, or both.

Between 6,000 to 8,000 babies are born with a cleft lip and or cleft palate in the United States annually.

What Is A Cleft?

A cleft is a gap; it’s a separation.

During the early stages of pregnancy, a baby’s lip and the roof of the mouth normally grow together. When they don’t fully come together, it’s called a cleft.

What Is Cleft Lip And Cleft Palate?

A cleft lip occurs when the lip doesn’t come together during fetal development.

A cleft plate occurs when the roof of the mouth doesn’t close completely during fetal development.

There Are Different Types Of Clefts

The type of cleft lip and/or cleft palate a baby has will determine the kind of care they need.

• Cleft lip means that there is a gap or separation in the baby’s lip. The cleft may be on one or both sides of the upper lip and may reach all the way to the nose. Often, a baby with a cleft lip may have a gap in their gums. This gap also affects the development of baby teeth and adult teeth.
• A cleft palate has a gap in the roof of the mouth that connects to the nose.
• The combination of a cleft lip with a cleft palate is more common than just a cleft lip or just a cleft palate,
• A submucosal cleft occurs when the muscles of the soft palate (all the way in the back of the mouth) don’t come together during fetal development.

Why Do Clefts Happen?

The cause of clefts is multifactorial. They are usually the result of a combination of genetics and environmental factors during early development.

How Do Clefts Affect A Child?

Cleft and craniofacial conditions affect so much more than appearance, they influence:

• Feeding,
• Breathing,
• Speaking,
• Hearing,
• Dental Development,
• Self-esteem.

Comprehensive Care Is Important

Comprehensive care involves a multidisciplinary approach, including:

• Pediatric Surgeons,
• Pediatricians
• Pediatric Dentists,
• Orthodontists,
• Speech Therapists,
• Ear-Nose-and Throat Specialists,
• Gastroenterologists,
• Social Workers,
• Psychologists.

What I Want You To Know

Children born with cleft lip and/or cleft palate can thrive.

With early feeding support, appropriate surgical care, speech services, hearing services and dental care, children with cleft lip and/or palate can lead healthy and fulfilling lives.

Do you know a child who was born with a cleft? How are they doing? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook

More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!