What is cleft lip and palate birth defect? Causes and treatments

Cleft lip and palate is a type of congenital maxillofacial malformation in children. The disease not only negatively affects the psychology but also reduces the quality of life of the child. So, what kind of birth defect is cleft lip and palate? How do we treat cleft lip and palate in children? Find out right below this article!

I. What kind of birth defect is cleft lip and palate?

1. What is cleft lip and palate?

Cleft lip and palate is one of the most common congenital maxillofacial malformations affecting children's lip and palate area. This is a condition in which the lip and palate of the fetus do not close completely during the developmental stage, creating a wide or narrow cleft, depending on the severity of the birth defect. The rate of cleft lip and palate varies by country and territory. In Vietnam, the rate of children with cleft lip is about 1/1000.

Cleft lip and palate usually form between the 4th and 12th weeks of pregnancy when the fetus's lip and palate develop. If this process does not take place fully, birth defects, including cleft lip and palate, can occur. A prenatal ultrasound during the 18th week can detect birth defects.

This pathology causes anatomical morphology and function disorders, especially affecting the formation and development of teeth and the maxillary dental arch. In addition to the dental arch often being deformed, the size of the maxillary dental arch in cleft lip and palate pathology is narrower than in normal people, mainly in the anterior teeth area.

Aesthetically, this birth defect can create a significant difference in facial shape, especially in the lips and surrounding area. In addition, it also affects functions such as breastfeeding and speaking, and can even create respiratory health problems.

For parents, awareness and early screening play an important role in detecting this birth defect. In some cases, surgery can be performed to repair the cleft lip and palate, helping to improve the child's appearance and function.

2. Causes of cleft lip and palate

Cleft lip and palate can be caused by many factors, with genetic and environmental factors playing important roles.

• Genetic factors: If a family member has experienced maxillofacial malformations, especially cleft lip and palate, the risk of the fetus developing this birth defect may be higher. Genes that play a role in lip and palate development can be passed from generation to generation.
• Mother's diet: The mother's nutrition throughout pregnancy plays a vital role in fetal development. Deficiencies in nutrients such as vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid can increase the risk of maxillofacial malformations. Ensuring a balanced and adequate diet is essential to support healthy fetal development.
• Infections during pregnancy: Mothers with viral infections such as Rubella or influenza during the critical period from the 4th to 12th week of pregnancy may increase the risk of maxillofacial malformations for the fetus. Viruses and environmental factors can affect the development of the lips and palate.

Health monitoring, disease prevention measures, and maintaining a healthy diet play an important role in reducing this risk. At the same time, consulting with doctors and participating in fetal screening programs can help detect and manage maxillofacial malformation problems early.

II. When should a child with cleft lip and palate have surgery?

In developed healthcare countries such as the US and Europe, children born with cleft lip are operated on before they even meet their mother. This prevents the mother from experiencing psychological stress the first time she meets her child.
In Vietnam, cleft lip surgery is usually performed when the child is 3-6 months old, and cleft palate surgery is performed when the child is about 12-18 months old. Experts often encourage parents to have their children undergo surgery earlier to optimize results.

Some reasons why this is the "golden time" to perform surgery for children:

• At the age of 12-18 months, the child's jaw muscles and bones are developed enough to support the surgical process. This helps reduce the risk of injury and increases the ability to recover after surgery.
• Ensure that the child is in good health and has reached an appropriate weight. Good health helps the child recover quickly after surgery and reduces the risk of post-surgical problems.
• Cleft lip and palate surgery at this age can help children recover better in terms of language. Young children begin to pronounce words around 12 months, and early surgery can support this process, reducing the risk of speech impediments.
• During this stage, the children are still quite sensitive and may not be aware of aesthetic issues. Early surgery can reduce the psychological impact and create favorable conditions for the psychological recovery process of the child and family.

Parents should discuss with the doctor to decide the time for cleft palate surgery for their child. However, the decision to perform surgery should be made after careful discussion between the family and the doctor to ensure that the surgery is appropriate for the child's specific health condition.

Children with cleft lip and palate may face self-esteem issues and challenges in social interaction, especially when they feel a difference in appearance. Therefore, early examination and treatment for children benefit their physical and psychological development.

Dr. Dang Trieu Hung, a member of the Professional Advisory Board at Herident Dental Clinic, has many years of experience in surgery and treatment of cleft lip and palate at Hanoi Medical University Hospital. Dr. Hung has successfully operated on many children with cleft lip and palate, bringing smiles and confident lives to them.

Please contact the hotline or come directly to Herident Dental Clinic for examination and consultation as soon as possible!