CARE4CLEFT

Our Mission

We want to help the Cleft patients bring smiles

What we offer

We strive to connect cleft patients to surgeons who can perform free surgeries and bring back their smiles.

What you can do to help

If you see or know any Cleft patients, point them to our website and ask them to register

Understanding Cleft

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Understanding Clefts

A cleft is a gap in the mouth or lip that occurs when the tissues that form the mouth and lips don't join together properly. 

 

Babies with cleft lip and palate may have difficulty eating and breathing, and may experience speech and language delays as they grow older. 

 

They may also be more likely to have ear infections, hearing loss, and problems with their teeth

 

 

 

Directory

Types


Unilateral: on one side.
Bilateral: on both sides.
Complete: extends all the way into the nostril.
Incomplete: does not extend up into the nostril.
Isolated: cleft lip without a cleft palate.

Diagnosis

 

Most cases of cleft lip and cleft palate are seen right away at birth, so special tests aren't needed. Cleft lip and cleft palate are often seen on ultrasound before a baby is born.

Causes

 

Both genes and the environment may cause cases of cleft lip and cleft palate. 

Incidences

 

Asians: Approximately 1 in 500 births

Caucasians: Approximately 1 in 700 births

Individuals of African descent: Approximately 1 in 1,200 births

Our mission

You will find the latest information about our company here. You will find the latest information about our company here. You will find the latest information about our company here. You will find the latest...

Treatment

Surgery is often used to close the lip and palate.

 

Cleft lip surgery is usually done before a baby's first birthday, and cleft palate surgery is done before 18 months.

 

If there are other problems as they get older, a child may need additional surgeries, dental and orthodontic care, and speech therapy.

 

After a baby is born with a cleft, parents could be concerned about whether they'll have another child with the same condition. While many cases of cleft lip and cleft palate can't be prevented, think about these steps to lower your risk:

Consider genetic counseling. If you have a family history of cleft lip and cleft palate, tell your healthcare professional before you become pregnant. Your healthcare professional may refer you to a genetic counselor who can help figure out your risk of having children with cleft lip and cleft palate.

Take prenatal vitamins. If you're planning to get pregnant soon, ask your healthcare professional if you should take prenatal vitamins. These contain important vitamins and minerals that you and your unborn baby need.

Don't use tobacco or alcohol. Use of alcohol or tobacco during pregnancy raises the risk of having a baby with health problems at birth.