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  1. Cleft lip and cleft palate - Causes

    Verified Expert

    • The exact cause is not know. The causes are:
    • A birth defect that occurs when the tissues that form the lip and the palate fail to fuse during pregnancy (when the embryo is developing)
    • Genetic and environmental factors may be responsible; family history plays a role
    • The risk factors include:
    • Alcohol consumption
    • Cigarette smoking
    • Insufficient consumption of folic acid and prenatal vitamins
    • Being obese or having diabetes during pregnancy may also increase risk

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    Complications

    Verified Expert

    After a prolonged period complications may include

    • Hearing loss
    • Speech difficulty
    • Ear infections
    • Difficulty in feeding
    • Dental problems

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    Symptoms

    Verified Expert
    Contact your provider if experiencing new, severe, or persistent symptoms.

    Commonly observed symptoms are as follows:

    • Speech difficulties
    • Impaired voice
    • Snoring
    • Feeding difficulties
    • Ear infections causing hearing loss
    • Missing teeth or extra teeth

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    What is a cleft lip and palate?
    Cleft lip and cleft palate are facial and oral differences that occur very early in pregnancy, while the fetus is developing inside the uterus. When the tissues in the mouth or lip area are not enough and fail to join together properly, it results in clefting.
    webmd.com

    Diagnosis

    Verified Expert
    A condition, by birth, with the opening or split in the upper lip and roof of the mouth or both. This occurs when the facial features do not develop completely during the pregnancy.
    Is condition treatable?
    Treatable by a medical professional
    Does diagnosis require lab test or imaging?
    Doesn't require lab test or imaging
    Time taken for recovery
    Can last several months
    Condition Highlight
    Present at birth
    Condition Highlight
    Family history may increase likelihood
    See more
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    Source: Focus Medica. For informational purposes only. Consult a medical professional for advice. | Disclaimer: Opinions are from external health professionals and should not be considered as Microsoft's opinion or a substitute for professional help. Consult a health professional for medical advice.
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    Table of Contents
    Causes
    Complications
    Symptoms
    What is a cleft lip and palate?
    Diagnosis
    Health guide
    Ask an expert
     

  1. The most recent research suggests that cleft lip or palate is caused by:

    • Genes. A gene defect inherited from one or both parents prevents the lips and mouth from joining during development in the womb.
    • Genetic syndromes. A genetic syndrome is a disease that has more than one symptom or defect. It can be caused by a single gene or many genes. ...
    • Health and Environment. ...

    Cleft Lip & Palate - National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial R…

    www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/cleft-lip-palate
    www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/cleft-lip-palate
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  2. People also ask
    What causes a cleft lip & palate?
    Cleft lip and cleft palate result when facial structures that are developing in an unborn baby don't close completely. Cleft lip and cleft palate are among the most common birth defects. They most commonly occur as isolated birth defects but are also associated with many inherited genetic conditions or syndromes.

    Cleft lip and cleft palate - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic

    mayoclinic.org
    What causes pain at the soft palate in the mouth?

    Dr. Himabindu Sreenivasulu

    MBBS · 1 years of exp

    Pain in the soft palate in the mouth can be caused by various factors. Common causes include viral or bacterial infections, such as a cold sore or strep throat, which can lead to inflammation and discomfort in the area. Irritation from hot or spicy foods, acidic beverages, or sharp objects can also cause pain in the soft palate. Additionally, conditions like canker sores, oral thrush, or allergic reactions may contribute to the discomfort. In some cases, dental issues, such as a dental abscess or gum infection, can refer pain to in the soft palate. If the pain persists or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional or dentist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
    Q&A: Oral Health
    bing.com
    What is a cleft lip and palate?
    Cleft lip and cleft palate are facial and oral differences that occur very early in pregnancy, while the fetus is developing inside the uterus. When the tissues in the mouth or lip area are not enough and fail to join together properly, it results in clefting.

    Cleft Lip and Palate: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment - WebMD

    webmd.com
    Can a cleft lip & palate cause speech problems?
    Children with cleft lip or cleft palate may also have trouble speaking. These children's voices don't carry well, as their voice may take on a nasal sound and their speech may be difficult to understand. Not all children have these problems, and surgery may fix these issues entirely for some.

    Cleft Lip and Palate: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment - WebMD

    webmd.com
    What causes oral clefts?
    Cleft lip, cleft lip and palate, and isolated cleft palate are collectively termed oral clefts and are the most common congenital anomalies of the head and the neck, with a total prevalence of 1 per 1000 live births (1). Both environmental and genetic factors have been implicated as causes.

    Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate - Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate - MSD Manuals

    msdmanuals.com
    What drugs cause cleft lip & C left palate?
    Some drugs that may cause cleft lip and cleft palate include anti-seizure/anticonvulsant drugs, acne drugs containing Accutane, and methotrexate, a drug commonly used for treating cancer, arthritis, and psoriasis. Cleft lip and cleft palate may also occur as a result of exposure to viruses or chemicals while the fetus is developing in the womb.

    Cleft Lip and Palate: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment - WebMD

    webmd.com
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  3. Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/...

    Cleft lip and cleft palate - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic

  4. Cleveland Clinic
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/di…

    Cleft Lip & Cleft Palate: Causes & Treatment

    Jan 25, 2024 · What causes cleft lip and cleft palate? In most cases, there’s no known cause of cleft lip or cleft palate, and parents can’t prevent it. Most scientists believe a combination of genetic (inherited) and environmental …

  5. WebMD
    https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/cleft-lip-cleft-palate

    Cleft Lip and Palate: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment

  6. Healthline
    https://www.healthline.com/health/cleft-lip-and-palate

    Cleft Palate And Lip: Causes, Symptoms & Diagnosis - Healthline

  7. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
    https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/cleft-lip-palate

    Cleft Lip & Palate - National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial …

  8. Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-c…

    Cleft lip and cleft palate - Diagnosis and treatment

    Most cases of cleft lip and cleft palate are noticed right away at birth and don't require special tests for diagnosis. Increasingly, cleft lip and cleft palate are seen on ultrasound before the baby is born.

  9. Johns Hopkins Medicine
    https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions...

    Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate - Johns Hopkins Medicine

  10. Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
    https://www.chop.edu/.../cleft-lip-and-p…

    Cleft Lip and Palate - Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

    Learn about second opinions. What are the different types of cleft lip and palate? The different types of cleft defects are categorized according to the location of the cleft and how much of the lip is involved: Unilateral defects – the most …

  11. MedicineNet
    https://www.medicinenet.com/cleft_palate_and_cleft_lip/article.htm

    Cleft Palate and Cleft Lip Difference, Causes, Treatment

  12. MDS Manuals
    https://www.msdmanuals.com/.../cleft-lip-and-cleft-palate

    Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate - Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate - MSD Manuals

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