If you or someone you know has been affected by a cleft lip or palate, you know that it can be a difficult condition to deal with. Cleft lip and palate are two of the most common craniofacial conditions, affecting thousands of infants, children, teens, and adults in the United States.
Cleft lip and palate are two conditions that can occur together or separately. Cleft lip is a condition where there is a split in the upper lip, usually occurring on one side. Cleft palate is a condition where there is a split in the roof of the mouth. These conditions can be congenital, which means they are present at birth, or they can develop later in life due to an injury or disease.
Cleft lip and palate can cause a number of problems for those affected. For example, it can be difficult to eat and speak properly. There may also be hearing difficulties and dental problems. Additionally, people with cleft lip and palate often have trouble breathing through their noses.
If you or someone you know has been affected by cleft lip and palate, there are a number of resources available to help. There are many organizations, such as the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association, that provide support and information for those affected by these conditions.
If you have a question about this or other conditions, please call us at 301-791-1700.
The information provided on this website should not be used to diagnose or treat any medical condition and is not meant to take the place of professional medical advice. If you think you have a medical problem, please seek the advice of a physician. Call 911 for all medical emergencies.