Cleft lip and cleft palate are relatively common birth defects. They occur when the upper lip or palate (roof of the mouth) does not form properly, leaving a split or gap in the tissue. Cleft lip has an obvious aesthetic downside, but the complications of these conditions go far beyond mere looks. In this blog post, you will learn about the potential consequences of these issues and why timely treatment is so important.
Feeding and Nutrition Concerns
As a parent, you want your child to receive the nourishment they need for healthy growth and development. When a baby is born with a cleft lip or cleft palate, feeding can present significant difficulties. The gap in the lip or palate can make it hard for your child to create the suction necessary for breastfeeding or bottle feeding. This difficulty can lead to poor weight gain and even malnutrition if not addressed early. Potentially due to this issue, there is a higher mortality rate among infants with a cleft lip or palate.
Speech and Language Development
Cleft lip and especially cleft palate can have a profound impact on your child’s ability to develop normal speech. The palate plays a critical role in producing certain sounds, and a gap can result in speech that is difficult to understand. Children with these conditions often develop nasal-sounding speech, and they may have trouble pronouncing certain consonants. Early intervention by speech therapists is often necessary to help your child develop clear and effective communication skills.
Ear Infections and Hearing Loss
The risk of ear infections increases in children with a cleft palate. The muscles that open the Eustachian tube may not function properly due to the gap in the palate, which can lead to fluid buildup behind the eardrum. Frequent ear infections not only cause discomfort, but they can also result in temporary or even permanent hearing loss if not treated promptly. Hearing problems can further affect your child’s speech development and academic performance later in life.
Dental and Oral Health Issues
A cleft lip or palate can also affect the development of your child’s teeth and jaws. Teeth may be missing, out of position, or malformed, which can make brushing and flossing more challenging. Poor oral hygiene can lead to cavities and gum disease. Additionally, the alignment of the jaws may be affected, which could necessitate orthodontic treatment later in life.
Emotional and Social Impacts
Beyond the physical challenges, children with cleft lip or palate may face emotional and social difficulties. You might worry about your child’s self-esteem, especially as they begin to interact with peers. Children with visible differences sometimes experience teasing or bullying, which can affect their confidence and emotional well-being.
Take Action: Consult an Oral Surgeon
If your child has a cleft lip or cleft palate, you have the opportunity to make a significant difference in their life by seeking timely evaluation and treatment. Indeed, the best time for cleft lip surgery is usually around 3 – 6 months of age, while a cleft palate is usually addressed between 9 and 18 months.
An oral surgeon can assess the severity of the condition and discuss all available treatment options with you. Early intervention can help address feeding issues, support speech development, and minimize future complications. Indeed, a procedure to correct a cleft lip or palate can support your child’s quality of life and their long-term health!
Meet the Practice
At Piney Point Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of Houston, our team of doctors offers a range of services, including surgeries to correct a cleft lip and/or palate. If you are concerned about your child’s health due to one of these conditions, we can evaluate their situation and recommend your next steps. Contact our office at 713-783-5560.