Cleft palate and cleft lip are congenital abnormalities (birth defects) in which there is incomplete fusion of the developing lip or the hard or soft palate in the roof of the mouth. These defects may occur in combination or separately.

Signs and symptoms of cleft lip include visible deformity of the lip and palate. Other associated signs and symptoms can include

crooked, poorly shaped, or missing teeth,
misalignment of teeth and jaw,
deformities of the upper jaw, and
speech problems.

Affected infants may also experience feeding difficulties.

Cause of Cleft Palate and Cleft Lip

The exact cause is unknown, but a genetic predisposition is believed to play a role in their development.

Other cleft lip and cleft palate symptoms and signs

Crooked, Poorly Shaped, or Missing Teeth
Deformities of the Upper Jaw
Misalignment of Teeth and Jaw
Speech Problems
Visible Deformity of the Lip and Palate

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Main Article on Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate Symptoms and Signs

Cleft Palate and Cleft Lip

Cleft palate and cleft lip are facial and oral defects that occur early in pregnancy. A cleft lip is a split of the two sides of...

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References

Jameson, J. Larry, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 20th Ed. New York: McGraw-Hill Education, 2018.

Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate: Symptoms & Signs