What is a Cleft Lip/Palate?
It is an opening in the lip or roof of the mouth
Statistics
Cleft lips or palates are one of the most common major birth defects. 1 of 2 of every 1,000 babies in the United States are born with a cleft palate or lip. The positive to being born with one is that it is treatable. You would get surgery with the first 12-18 months of your life usually.
Genetics is the cause:
- drug use
- alcohol use
- smoking cigarettes
- certain medications taken by mother while pregnant
Symptoms of a Cleft Palate or Lip:
- Changed shape of the nose
- Poor alignment of teeth
- Poor growth
- Feeding Problems
- Have trouble gaining weight
- Difficulty with speech
- Constant ear infections
Works Cited
http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/ears/cleft_lip_palate.html
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http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/cleft-lip-and-palate/
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