European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

CLEFT LIP AND CLEFT PALATE: A REVIEW

Monika J. Mahajani, Vishwas D. Acharya*, Shweta G. Habbu, Dipak Baliram Patil

ABSTRACT

Cleft lip and cleft palate are birth defects that occur when a baby’s lip or mouth do not form properly during pregnancy. Together, these birth defects commonly are called “orofacial clefts”. These birth defects happen early during pregnancy. A baby can have a cleft lip, a cleft palate, or both a cleft lip and cleft palate. Children with a cleft lip with or without a cleft palate or a cleft palate alone often have problems with feeding and speaking clearly, and can have ear infections. They also might have hearing problems and problems with their teeth. Services and treatment for children with orofacial clefts can vary depending on the severity of the cleft; the child’s age and needs; and the presence of associated syndromes or other birth defects, or both. The present article describes the etiology, classification and general management of cleft lip and cleft palate.

Keywords: Cleft Lip, Cleft Palate, syndromes.