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Cleft lip and cleft palate are two very common congenital birth defects. Together they rank as the fourth most common form of birth defects and the most common facial deformity. In real numbers, this equates to one child in every 700 being born with a cleft lip or palate.

A cleft lip occurs when two sides of a lip separate. A cleft palate occurs when there is a separation between the palate in the roof of the mouth. Both conditions can be treated surgically.

• If left untreated, the child can suffer from severe speech impediments, problems eating and dental problems. He may also suffer psychologically because this is a very visually prominent defect.
• It is also possible for a child to suffer from both a cleft lip and a cleft palate.
• In some cases, the cleft defect may be diagnosed during a routine ultrasound. If not identified in utero, the defect is easily diagnosed upon birth.

Cleft lip and cleft palate are birth defects that occur early in a pregnancy, between the fourth and eighth weeks. The actual cause of this condition is unknown, but it is believed that the vast majority of cases are related to genetic abnormalities. The remaining cases are most likely due to environmental factors such a maternal disease, drug use, or environmental toxins.

• Low maternal levels of folic acid may contribute to the formation of cleft defects.
• Whereas high maternal levels of vitamin A are also thought to contribute to cleft defects.

Cleft lips and palates need to be surgically repaired. In many cases, correction may require more than one surgery, depending upon the severity and type condition and other factors such as the child's health. In most cases, repetitive surgeries will be needed.

• For cleft lips, repairs begin when the child is only ten weeks old.
• In many instances, it is possible for the child to be restored to a normal appearance while still an infant. However, in some cases the child will not have a normal facial appearance until they reach their early to mid-teens.

Your child will need the care of a team of specialists. Each specialist will deal with a specific aspect of your child's treatment. For instance, corrective surgery for the cleft will be performed by a plastic surgeon. However the person responsible for overseeing your child's overall Team Care will be the pediatrician.

• The child may also require dental surgery to correct deformities of the teeth caused by the cleft.
• Orthodontic treatments may also be needed to ensure that the child's permanent teeth come in straight.
• Some children also require the services of speech therapists.
• The services of a counselor may also be nee to help you and your child deal with the defect. This is especially true when complete repair is not possible until the child reaches the teenage years.

There is always a risk of complications when undergoing a surgical procedure. The main risk associated with surgery to correct a cleft is reaction to the anesthetic used. Your child's doctors can discuss the risks and possible complications that can arise from the surgery.

On the most part, the complications associated with cleft lips and palates are related to how they affect the cranial structure as the child grows.

• Cleft deformities can cause the jawbone to move out of alignment.
• Cleft deformities can give rise to nose deformities that can make breathing difficult. Nasal repairs are often performed in conjunction with surgery to repair the cleft.
• Clefts can also affect the dental health of the child. Clefts can make it difficult to brush the teeth properly resulting in gum disease and cavities. The cleft, and bone deformities caused by it, can cause the child's teeth to come in crooked.
• Children with clefts also are at a greater risk of having problems with their Eustachian Tubes. Therefore, they tend to be more susceptible to ear infections than most children.
• The cleft and related deformities may cause the child to develop speech impediments.
• Clefts may also make it difficult to feed your child, or for the child to feed himself.

All these problems are correctable or treatable. Talk with your child's pediatrician to ensure that all associated problems are receiving proper treatment.