The exact cause of cleft lip and palate is not always clear, but it often results from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Family history plays a significant role, as the risk of having a child with a cleft increases if there is a family history of the condition. However, most cases of cleft lip and palate occur without any known cause.

Environmental factors that can increase the risk include maternal smoking, alcohol consumption, and certain medications during pregnancy, such as anticonvulsants or steroids. Nutritional deficiencies, like low levels of folic acid, may also contribute to the development of cleft lip and palate during pregnancy.

Cleft lip and palate are among the most common birth defects worldwide. In the UK, approximately 1 in every 700 babies is born with a cleft lip, a cleft palate, or both. The condition occurs more frequently in males than females when it involves a cleft lip, while cleft palate without a cleft lip is more common in females.

The incidence of cleft lip and palate varies by ethnicity and geographical location, with higher rates observed in certain populations. Regardless of frequency, early diagnosis and treatment are available to manage the condition effectively and ensure children born with clefts lead healthy, fulfilling lives.

While it is not always possible to prevent cleft lip and palate, certain lifestyle and prenatal care measures may reduce the risk. Maintaining a healthy diet rich in folic acid, avoiding smoking and alcohol, and managing medical conditions during pregnancy can lower the chances of having a baby with a cleft.

Pre-conception care is also important, especially for women with a family history of cleft lip or palate. Taking folic acid supplements before and during pregnancy has been shown to reduce the risk of many birth defects, including cleft conditions.

Children born with cleft lip and palate may experience difficulties with feeding, especially if they have a cleft palate, as this can affect their ability to create suction. Special feeding bottles or breastfeeding techniques may be needed until corrective surgery is performed. Speech difficulties may also arise due to the gap in the palate, affecting articulation and clarity.

In addition, children may have hearing problems due to fluid build-up in the middle ear, and dental issues may occur as the cleft can affect the development of the gums and teeth. However, with the help of a multidisciplinary medical team, including surgeons, speech therapists, audiologists, and dentists, these challenges can be effectively managed.

Surgical intervention is the primary treatment for cleft lip and palate. The timing of surgery depends on the severity of the cleft and the child’s overall health. Typically, cleft lip repair is performed within the first 3 to 6 months of life, while cleft palate repair occurs between 9 and 18 months. The goal of surgery is to close the cleft, restore normal function, and improve appearance.

In addition to surgery, children with cleft lip and palate often require ongoing care from a team of specialists, including speech therapists, orthodontists, and audiologists. Long-term follow-up may be needed to monitor speech development, hearing, and dental health as the child grows.

Surgery for cleft lip and palate is highly successful in most cases, especially when performed by experienced surgeons in specialist centres. Early intervention allows the child to feed, speak, and grow more normally. The surgical repairs significantly improve both the functional and aesthetic outcomes, though multiple surgeries may be required over time.

While surgery can greatly improve the child’s appearance and quality of life, some children may still require additional support, such as speech therapy, orthodontics, or further surgeries, as they develop. With the right medical care, most children born with clefts go on to lead healthy, active lives.

The recovery process after cleft surgery varies depending on the type of surgery and the individual child. Immediately after surgery, the child may need to stay in hospital for a few days for monitoring. Swelling, bruising, and discomfort are common, but pain management is provided to ensure the child remains comfortable.

Parents are often given specific instructions on how to care for the surgical site, including how to feed the child and prevent infection. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing and assess the need for further treatment or support, such as speech therapy.

Many children with a cleft palate will need speech therapy after surgery to help them develop clear and understandable speech. While the surgery repairs the physical defect, some children may have difficulty producing certain sounds or may develop compensatory speech patterns that need to be corrected.

Speech therapy often begins in early childhood and may continue into school age, depending on the child’s progress. Working with a speech therapist ensures that any speech issues are addressed promptly, allowing the child to communicate effectively.

Breastfeeding a baby with a cleft lip and/or palate can be more challenging, but it is possible in some cases. Babies with a cleft lip may find it difficult to latch on to the breast, but certain positions and techniques can help improve breastfeeding success. Specialised bottles and nipples can also assist with feeding if breastfeeding proves difficult.

For babies with a cleft palate, breastfeeding can be more challenging due to the inability to create suction. However, expressed breast milk can still be given using specialised bottles designed for cleft-affected babies, ensuring they receive the benefits of breast milk.

Most children with cleft lip and palate, especially when treated early, go on to lead healthy lives with minimal long-term health issues. However, some children may experience persistent problems, particularly with speech, hearing, and dental health. Regular follow-ups with a multidisciplinary team are important to monitor these aspects of the child’s development.

Hearing issues are common due to frequent ear infections and fluid build-up, but this can often be managed with ear tubes or hearing aids. Dental problems, such as misaligned teeth or missing teeth, may require orthodontic treatment in later childhood or adolescence.

In the UK, families of children with cleft lip and palate can access support through various healthcare services and organisations. The NHS provides comprehensive cleft care, including surgery, speech therapy, and dental care, through specialist cleft teams. These teams include surgeons, speech and language therapists, audiologists, and psychologists who work together to support the child’s development.

Charities such as CLAPA (Cleft Lip and Palate Association) offer additional resources, including support groups, information, and advice for parents. Connecting with other families who have experienced similar challenges can provide emotional support and valuable insights.

Yes, adults can undergo cleft lip or palate surgery, although it is more commonly performed in childhood. Some adults may need revision surgery if the original repair was not entirely successful or if they experience issues such as speech difficulties, nasal airflow problems, or dissatisfaction with the appearance of the scar.

Adult surgeries can address both functional and cosmetic concerns, helping to improve the quality of life. Additionally, adults may seek orthodontic treatment or speech therapy to resolve any lingering issues related to their cleft lip or palate.

Cleft lip and palate can have a significant impact on dental development. The condition can affect the formation of the teeth, gums, and jaw. Children with a cleft may have missing, misaligned, or extra teeth, and orthodontic treatment is often needed to correct these issues as the child grows.

In some cases, children with a cleft may also experience difficulties with tooth eruption or require dental surgery to correct abnormalities. Regular dental care and early intervention from an orthodontist are crucial in managing these dental issues effectively.

1. Cleft Lip and Palate Association (CLAPA)

Website: www.clapa.com

CLAPA is the leading charity supporting individuals and families affected by cleft lip and palate in the UK. They offer a wide range of services, including local support groups, parent and baby groups, and a dedicated feeding service. Their website also provides detailed information about treatment, surgery, and living with a cleft.

2. NHS Cleft Teams

Website: www.nhs.uk/conditions/cleft-lip-and-palate/

The NHS provides specialist cleft lip and palate services across the UK. Their website contains comprehensive information on cleft lip and palate treatment, including the referral process, surgical options, and ongoing care. NHS cleft teams include surgeons, speech therapists, audiologists, and orthodontists to support children from birth through adulthood.

3. Changing Faces

Website: www.changingfaces.org.uk

Changing Faces is a UK charity offering support for individuals living with visible differences, including cleft lip and palate. They provide emotional support, advice on managing social interactions, and tools to boost confidence and self-esteem. They also offer services specifically for parents and children dealing with the psychological impact of a cleft.

4. Craniofacial Support UK

Website: www.craniofacialsupport.org.uk

Craniofacial Support UK offers information and support to families affected by craniofacial conditions, including cleft lip and palate. They provide guidance on treatment options, emotional well-being, and access to a community of families facing similar challenges. Their helpline and peer support groups are available for parents seeking advice and reassurance.

5. Face Forward

Website: www.faceforwardcharity.co.uk

Face Forward is a charity that supports individuals with facial differences, including cleft lip and palate. They provide resources for coping with the social and emotional impacts of facial differences and offer workshops, peer support, and educational materials for families and young people.

6. The Cleft Collective (Research Programme)

Website: www.bristol.ac.uk/cleft-collective

The Cleft Collective is a long-term research programme based at the University of Bristol, focused on understanding the causes and outcomes of cleft lip and palate. Parents can participate in the research, which aims to improve treatment and care for future generations. The website also provides access to research findings and updates on cleft care.

7. Smile Train UK

Website: www.smiletrain.org.uk

Smile Train is an international charity that provides free cleft lip and palate surgeries in developing countries, but they also offer valuable resources for UK-based families. Their website includes educational materials on cleft care, stories of individuals affected by clefts, and opportunities to get involved in raising awareness and support.

8. Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) – Cleft Lip and Palate Service

Website: www.gosh.nhs.uk

Great Ormond Street Hospital in London is one of the UK’s leading specialist hospitals for children, offering comprehensive care for cleft lip and palate. Their cleft team provides surgery, speech therapy, and orthodontic support. Their website offers detailed information about the cleft care pathway and what families can expect during treatment.

9. Folic Acid Awareness Campaign – Public Health England

Website: www.gov.uk/phe

Public Health England provides educational resources on the importance of folic acid during pregnancy to reduce the risk of cleft lip and palate, along with other birth defects. The website includes a downloadable leaflet explaining folic acid’s role in preventing congenital conditions and advice for pregnant women.

10. British Society of Paediatric Dentistry (BSPD)

Website: www.bspd.co.uk

The BSPD provides guidance on managing the dental needs of children with cleft lip and palate. They offer resources on dental care, orthodontic treatment, and preventative dental health measures for children with clefts, helping parents navigate the dental challenges often associated with this condition.