A cleft lip and palate is a type of birth defect that affects the top lip and the roof of the mouth (the palate). A cleft is an opening, or split, in either the lip or the palate, or sometimes in both.
Cleft lips and palates are sometimes part of a wider series of birth defects, but usually happen on their own.
How common are cleft lips and palates?
A cleft lip and palate is the most common type of birth defect in the UK. One in every 700 babies is born with a cleft. It's more common in children who are of northern European and Asian origin, and less common in children of African origin.
The cause of clefts is unknown. However, most researchers believe that they are caused by a combination of environmental and genetic factors.
Approximately 25% of affected babies will be born with a cleft lip, 50% will be born with a cleft lip and a cleft palate, and 25% will be born with a cleft palate.
Cleft lips and a combination of a cleft lip and palate are more common in boys. Cleft palates on their own are more common in girls.
Prognosis
A cleft lip is often easy to correct with surgery. The procedure leaves only a small amount of scarring. It can be more difficult to treat a cleft palate because it can cause a range of problems with speech, feeding, dental health and hearing.
A long-term structured care plan, from a dedicated team of cleft specialists, is usually required to help children who are born with clefts.
