Cleft Lip: Causes and Effects
Describe the causes and treatment of a cleft lip and the effects of the condition of the production of speech sounds.
Cleft lip is a congenital condition that occurs when the tissues forming the upper lip fail to fuse properly during fetal development, typically between weeks 4 and 7 of pregnancy. The exact cause is often multifactorial, involving:
- Genetic Factors – Family history of cleft lip increases the risk.
- Environmental Factors – Exposure to smoking, alcohol, certain medications (e.g., anticonvulsants), or poor maternal nutrition (e.g., folic acid deficiency) during pregnancy.
- Medical Conditions – Conditions such as DiGeorge syndrome, Pierre Robin sequence, or Van der Woude syndrome can be associated with cleft lip.
Treatment of Cleft Lip
Treatment typically involves:
- Surgical Repair (Cheiloplasty) – Performed within 3 to 6 months of age, depending on the severity.
- Speech Therapy – Helps correct articulation issues resulting from structural abnormalities.
- Orthodontic and Dental Care – Addresses misalignment of teeth and jaw development.
- Psychosocial Support – Helps address self-esteem and social challenges related to facial differences…
Cleft lip is a congenital condition that occurs when the tissues forming the upper lip fail to fuse properly during fetal development, typically between weeks 4 and 7 of pregnancy. The exact cause is often multifactorial, involving:
- Genetic Factors – Family history of cleft lip increases the risk.
- Environmental Factors – Exposure to smoking, alcohol, certain medications (e.g., anticonvulsants), or poor maternal nutrition (e.g., folic acid deficiency) during pregnancy.
- Medical Conditions – Conditions such as DiGeorge syndrome, Pierre Robin sequence, or Van der Woude syndrome can be associated with cleft lip.
Treatment of Cleft Lip
Treatment typically involves:
- Surgical Repair (Cheiloplasty) – Performed within 3 to 6 months of age, depending on the severity.
- Speech Therapy – Helps correct articulation issues resulting from structural abnormalities.
- Orthodontic and Dental Care – Addresses misalignment of teeth and jaw development.
- Psychosocial Support – Helps address self-esteem and social challenges related to facial differences…
Cleft lip is a congenital condition that occurs when the tissues forming the upper lip fail to fuse properly during fetal development, typically between weeks 4 and 7 of pregnancy. The exact cause is often multifactorial, involving:
- Genetic Factors – Family history of cleft lip increases the risk.
- Environmental Factors – Exposure to smoking, alcohol, certain medications (e.g., anticonvulsants), or poor maternal nutrition (e.g., folic acid deficiency) during pregnancy.
- Medical Conditions – Conditions such as DiGeorge syndrome, Pierre Robin sequence, or Van der Woude syndrome can be associated with cleft lip.
