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Department of Otolaryngology

Conditions We Treat

Cleft Palate

Affects of Cleft Palate

A cleft palate or a cleft lip/palate can affect a baby in a number of ways, cosmetically as well as developmentally. Problems include:

  • Feeding - Babies with a cleft palate or cleft lip/palate may have a difficult time feeding because the opening in the palate makes it difficult for the baby to suck efficiently.

  • Ear infections - The cleft in the palate can contribute to a build up of fluid in the middle ear, which can lead to infection. Babies with cleft palate are highly susceptible to repeated ear infections.

  • Speech - Children with cleft lip usually develop speech normally, but children with cleft palate may develop more slowly and may sound more nasally.

  • Dental problems - Depending upon the severity of the cleft, a cleft palate may interfere with the normal development and growth of permanent teeth.

Treatment of Cleft Palate

Fortunately, through the combined efforts of various professionals, cleft palate and its related problems can be treated and corrected.

The cleft palate or cleft lip/palate can be closed through surgery. A cleft lip can be repaired by about 3 months of age, and cleft palate repair is usually timed between 9 and 18 months of age. Sometimes, additional surgery may be required as the child grows.

A baby with a cleft palate should be seen by otolaryngologist between ages 3-6 months to help identify, treat and prevent any ear infections. Learn more about facial and reconstructive surgery at Strong Health

Following surgery, some children may require speech therapy. Also, some children may require extra dental or orthodontic care to repair or correct any dental problems caused by the cleft palate or cleft lip/palate.

 

Find out more about the causes, risk factors, and prevention of cleft palate.