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Cleft Lip and Palate
Cleft lip and palate are birth differences where the lip or the roof of the mouth does not fully join before birth. They can be repaired with surgery, often with excellent results.
Causes & risk factors
- Incomplete joining of facial structures before birth
- Genetic factors and family history
- Certain medicines or infections in pregnancy
- Nutritional factors such as low folic acid
- Often no single identifiable cause
Common symptoms
- A split or gap in the lip
- A gap in the roof of the mouth (palate)
- Difficulty feeding in babies
- Nasal-sounding speech later
- Frequent ear infections
Tests & diagnosis
- Prenatal ultrasound
- Clinical examination at birth
- Hearing assessment
Treatment & management
- Surgical repair of the lip, usually in infancy
- Surgical repair of the palate, a little later
- Feeding support for babies
- Speech therapy
- Dental and orthodontic care
- Ongoing team follow-up through childhood
When to see a doctor urgently
- A newborn with feeding difficulty
- Concerns about speech development
- Recurrent ear infections or hearing problems
- Questions about surgical repair and timing
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about cleft lip and palate. It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Can cleft lip and palate be fully repaired?
Yes, surgery usually gives very good results for appearance, feeding and speech, though some children need more than one operation and ongoing support.
At what age is surgery done?
Cleft lip is often repaired at around 3 to 6 months and the palate a little later, but timing is decided by the specialist team for each child.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.