July is National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness and Prevention
Month. U.S. CDC estimates that about 7,000 babies will be born with a cleft
in the United States this year, a condition created when tissue in the baby’s
upper lip or the roof of the mouth does not join together completely during
pregnancy, leaving an opening in the roof of the mouth.
Clefts are usually repaired surgically in the first year of life,
though many children require additional surgeries and treatments through adolescence
to correct challenges to breathing, eating, or speech development. Individuals
born with cleft lip or palate often need specialized dental or orthodontic care
throughout their lives.
For more information, visit http://www.nccapm.org/
