A cleft is a separation or split in either the upper lip or the roof of the mouth (palate) or sometimes both. It occurs when separate areas of the face do not join together properly when a baby is developing in the womb.
The development of the face and the upper lip takes place during the fifth to ninth week of pregnancy.
Cleft lips and palates can occur on their own (non-syndromic) or are sometimes part of a wider series of birth defects (syndromic).
How common are cleft lips and palates?
A cleft lip and palate is the most common facial birth defect in the UK. One in every 700 babies is born with a cleft. The type of cleft and how severe it is varies between children.
The exact cause of clefts is unknown. However, most researchers believe they are caused by a combination of environmental and genetic factors (see Cleft lip and palate - causes for more information).
Approximately half of all affected babies are born with a cleft palate, a quarter have a cleft lip and a quarter have a cleft lip and palate.
A cleft lip or combined cleft lip and palate are more common in boys, but a cleft palate on its own is more common in girls.
Outlook
A cleft lip and palate can be corrected using surgery. The procedure has a high success rate and leaves minimal scarring. After treatment, most children have a normal appearance and achieve normal speech.
All types of treatment for cleft lip and palate are available on the NHS. A long-term, structured care plan from a team of cleft specialists is usually needed to help children born with clefts. Ongoing or follow-up treatment that lasts for up to 20 years is often required.
