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| Affected With Cleft Lip Palate |
That smile might belong to the boy as he cools below the sprinkler. Or maybe you belong to neighborhood child is pure luck in getting her face licked a new puppy.
Child's smile can have a way to transport us back to a more simple and honest during our childhood, providing a temporary escape from the often complicated world of adults.
However, the simple act of flashing a smile is a little more involved and painful for some children. Nearly 1 in 750 babies are born with cleft lip palate, the fourth most newborns in the United States, according to the Central New York Cleft and craniofacial center.
Cleft lip palate facial malformations that develops in the early stages of pregnancy. A cleft palate occurs when the tissue forming the lips do not close completely, creating a gap between the child's nose and upper mouth. This congenital defect also affects the roof of the mouth, causing a deviation or displacement of teeth. Speech problems are common in connection with this strain.
Serious ear problems are another major complications often associated with cleft lip palate. Improper operation and fishing on the Eustachian tube can lead to accumulation of infections caused by bacteria that can eventually lead to deafness.
Cleft palate repair and treatment
As heartbreaking as it May be for families to receive news that their child has a cleft lip palate, it is reassuring to know health care professionals now have a wealth of experience in the treatment of physical handicap.
Such as surgical procedures become more refined, experts from different disciplines often join forces to deal with multiple health problems associated with cleft lip palate. These include:
Otolaryngologists: Also known as ear, nose and throat specialist. Treat ear problems and other possible complications of sinusitis.
Maxillofacial Surgeons: Responsible for the repair of cleft lip palate.
Plastic Surgeons: An attempt to normalize the patient's face through the reform and restructuring of the area affected by cleft palate.
Nutritionists: feeding confronts obstacles associated with cleft lip palate in order to ensure children receive proper nutrition.
Speech therapist: Addresses patient's language and communication skills.
Several specialty health care facilities primarily focusing on the repair and treatment of cleft palate and cleft lip now exist throughout the country. Many of these facilities are a team of experts mentioned in order to increase the quality of short-and long-term treatment. Post-surgery care can last for years as the medical staff to keep close watch on the development of speech and other areas affected by cleft lip palate as patients get older.