Cleft Lip and Palate are a group of conditions that include cleft lip, cleft palate, or both together. These conditions are birth defects that are often a result of malnutrition during pregnancy. To further explain, it is when the sides of the child’s lips and the roof of its mouth do not fuse together as they should during early development. 

A cleft lip contains an opening in the upper lip that may extend into the nose. The opening may be on one side, both sides, or in the middle. A cleft palate is when the roof of the mouth contains an opening into the nose. 



Cleft Lip and Palate often have serious social and health repercussions in the lives of children. These conditions impair the ability to eat and may lead to malnutrition, may result in ear infections or even loss of hearing, may cause speech delays or impediments, may present additional dental problems, and affect the ability to develop socially due to the conditions severe impacts on physical appearance. Depending on the child’s condition, they may need to undergo more than one surgical procedure.