Cleft Palate
Cleft palate is an oral deformity affecting the hard palate (bony part of the roof of the mouth). Occassionally the soft palate which is the soft, fleshy, portion at the back of the roof of the mouth is also affected. This deformity causes an opening from the inside of mouth into the nasal cavity. This opening might run from the front of the mouth (possibly including the lip area) to the throat and uvula (the dangling nodule that resembles a punching bag). Cleft palate occurs when the two plates of the skull do not fuse together completely during gestation.
Cleft palate is usually not visible because it develops inside the mouth. However, cleft palate can also affect the development of the upper lip, in which case the cleft would be visible. The extent of cleft palate abnormalities can vary significantly.
Cleft palate is usually not visible because it develops inside the mouth. However, cleft palate can also affect the development of the upper lip, in which case the cleft would be visible. The extent of cleft palate abnormalities can vary significantly.
Factors Causing Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate
The specific factors responsible for causing cleft lip and cleft palate are unknown, but are generally believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental influences. If you have a cleft, or have a family history of cleft lip or palate, your child has a greater chance of being born with the abnormality.
Environmental factors which might be implicated as a possible cause include exposure during pregnancy to anti-seizure medications, acne medications, alcohol and/or tobacco, illegal drugs (eg, cocaine, heroin, crack cocaine), vitamin A derivatives and other chemicals/toxins.
Environmental factors which might be implicated as a possible cause include exposure during pregnancy to anti-seizure medications, acne medications, alcohol and/or tobacco, illegal drugs (eg, cocaine, heroin, crack cocaine), vitamin A derivatives and other chemicals/toxins.
