If you have a son, he is more likely to have a cleft lip. However, if you have a daughter, she will most likely develop cleft palate. A cleft lip is an opening in the lip, while a cleft palate is an opening in the roof of the mouth. As professional dental hygienist, it is very important that we are aware of the etiology, oral characteristics, and treatment plan for children born with cleft lip and palate. During the first trimester of pregnancy, cleft lip and palate can form because there is a breakdown of normal fusion of the embryonic processes.
Lip formation takes place between the fourth and seventh week in utero.
Palatal development occurs later during the eighth to twelfth week. Evidence of a cleft lip can show up by the end of the second month in utero. Eighty-five per cent of cleft lips are nonsyndromal. Etiology of cleft lip and palate are most often believed to be multifactorial. Systemic conditions that increase the risk factors include maternal diabetes, increased parental age, drug use, and smoking during pregnancy.