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Do you know what is the condition of the cleft lip? And what are the factors affecting it? How can this phenomenon be avoided? The answers can be found in the article. Hare lip or cleft lip phenomenon is one of the birth defects that the fetus may develop in the mother’s womb, and it is usually very clear on the face of the affected person. Let us know the following in detail about this case:

What is the cleft lip?

During the formation of the fetus, many normal tissues are formed that mix with each other to show the fetus is fully developed and free of birth defects, but sometimes when these tissues do not mix together, a kind of crack or void appears between the tissues.

In the case of the cleft lip, this cleft appears clearly in the upper lip area, and it may appear on one or both sides of the lip.

In the United States of America, for example, the condition of the cleft lip is one of the 15 most common birth defects among fetuses, among the defects that affect the face and mouth.

The condition of the cleft lip may be complete, i.e. the cleft reaches the nose, or partial in the borders of the lip only. The condition of the cleft lip is more common among males in general.

Causes of cleft palate

During the growth of the fetus in the womb, especially during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, the skull of the fetus is in the process of formation and formation, so two plates of bones and tissues are formed here, and they gradually blend together and move towards each other to start merging from the areas of the mouth and nose to form a complete skull in the end.

But if this fusion between the plates is not complete and correct, the cleft lip or cleft palate will result, so that the child is born with this type of birth defect.

Risk factors that increase the chances of developing cleft lip

Heredity and genes may play a role in the fetus having cleft lip, and although the father with cleft lip may not transmit it to his children, the existence of a strong relationship between the mother and father may increase the chances of cleft lip infection.

The chances of infection also increase if

The mother smoked or drank alcohol during pregnancy.

The mother did not get enough folic acid during pregnancy.

The mother was obese.

During her pregnancy, the mother was taking epilepsy medication.

Cleft lip treatment

The treatment of the cleft lip lies in a surgical procedure for the child, and this procedure has several advantages and characteristics, as follows:

The first operation is performed at the age of 3-6 months.

The surgery is repeated at different ages to correct the cleft lip.

These surgeries cause only a few scars, which can undergo other surgeries to greatly improve their appearance at a later stage in the patient''s life.

It is worth mentioning that it is possible for the orthodontist to intervene to bring the plates in the skull, mouth and lips closer during the first week after birth, which is a preliminary treatment for the newborn to undergo appropriate surgery in the near future.

The effect of cleft palate on the patient''s life

This type of congenital anomaly has a great impact on the life and health of the injured person, especially if he does not receive appropriate moral support or appropriate treatment, such as:

Pronunciation and speech problems, as the person needs to work the lips, jaw, tongue and palate together and in harmony so that the letters come out correctly.

Oral and dental problems, increased chances of tooth decay and the need to get braces.

Ear infections may cause permanent hearing loss.

Obvious difficulties when trying to eat.

Low self-confidence.

Moral support for the child is very important in the case of cleft lip, as the child may be subjected to many harassments from his classmates at school because of his special condition, so support must always be provided to the child.

However, if the child''s cleft palate causes some speech and hearing problems, the parents should inform the child''s school of this so that the child''s teachers can provide appropriate care and support for the child.

Are there measures to completely prevent cleft lip infection?

There are no measures to completely prevent infection, but parents can take the following measures to reduce the chances of infection:

The mother completely avoids tobacco and alcohol during pregnancy.

The mother should not take any medication during pregnancy without consulting a doctor.

Speak with a geneticist to understand more clearly the chances of a child being born with a cleft lip.