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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staff
Usually, a cleft — or split — in the lip or palate is immediately identifiable at birth. Cleft lip and palate can affect one or both sides of the face. Clefts can appear as only a small notch in the lip or can extend from the lip through the upper gum and palate into the bottom of the nose.
Less commonly, a cleft occurs only in the muscles of the soft palate (submucous cleft palate), which are at the back of the mouth and covered by the mouth's lining. Because it's hidden, this type of cleft may not be diagnosed until later.
When to see a doctor
A cleft lip and cleft palate are usually apparent at birth, and your doctor may start coordinating care at that time. However, a submucous cleft palate may be obscured by the lining of the mouth and not diagnosed until later when signs develop. Some babies with this type of cleft have trouble with feeding, including nasal regurgitation and excessive gassiness. If your child has these or other signs or symptoms that concern you, see your child's doctor.
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- Moreau JL, et al. Tissue engineering solutions for cleft palates. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. 2007;65:2503.
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- Craniofacial abnormalities. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/print/see19/ch288/ch288d.html. Accessed April 5, 2010.
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- Wilkins-Haug L. Prenatal diagnosis of orofacial clefts. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 5, 2010.
- Stothard KJ, et al. Maternal overweight and obesity and the risk of congenital anomalies: A systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA. 2009;301:636.
- The school years: An introduction to psychology. Cleft Lip & Palate Association. http://www.clapa.com/news/article/901/. Accessed April 9, 2010.
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