There are two types of cleft lip:
The appearance of the cleft can be anything from a small notch in the lip (incomplete cleft) to a wide gap that runs all the way up to the nostril (complete cleft lip).
The appearance of a cleft palate can be anything from an opening at the back of the soft palate towards the throat to an almost complete separation of the roof of the mouth.
As well as affecting appearance, a cleft lip and palate can also cause a number of associated symptoms, outlined below.
Babies with a cleft may have problems feeding, particularly if the cleft includes the palate because the baby may not be able to suck adequately. However, with assistance and sometimes the use of a special feeding bottle, feeding can usually be quickly established.
Children with a cleft palate often develop a condition called glue ear, where sticky fluid collects in the middle ear behind the eardrum. This may reduce the level of hearing and can sometimes cause ear infections. Therefore, it is important that all children with a cleft palate have their ears and hearing checked regularly.
If a cleft palate is not repaired with surgery, it will lead to speech problems when the child is older. Therefore, the cleft palate is carefully repaired before speech development so that, in many cases, the child goes on to develop normal speech. About half of all children with a repaired cleft palate will need speech therapy, and a small number may need further surgery. Over time, a specialist speech and language therapist will monitor the child’s speech development.
About half of all children with a repaired cleft palate will need speech therapy, and a small number may need further surgery. Over time, a specialist speech and language therapist will monitor the child’s speech development.
A cleft lip and palate can cause changes to the structure of the mouth and lead to problems with the development of teeth, making children more vulnerable to tooth decay. It is therefore important for the child to have their teeth checked and closely monitored regularly.
A cleft lip or palate can have a psychological impact on both child and parents. For example, parents may feel guilty or angry. Psychological support and counseling may sometimes be required.