1. Surgery in Children
Treating a cleft lip involves more than simply repairing the divide in the lip, but that is the first step. Because cleft lip is a birth defect, the need for surgery will be immediately apparent when a child is born. Reconstruction--or surgery to create a normal, undivided lip--should take place within the child's first few months of life.
Your doctor will designate a team of specialists to address the many facets of this disorder so that your child will be able to eat, speak and breathe normally. The surgeon will first repair the cleft and then attend to any cosmetic issues in a separate procedure.
2. Related Treatment
Cleft lip may affect the function of the middle ear as well as the development of jaws and teeth. Your child may see an ear, nose and throat specialist, a dentist and an oral surgeon to plan treatment for any related ear or mouth irregularities. A doctor may insert ear tubes to improve drainage and air circulation. Your child may need orthodontia or oral surgery later, when permanent teeth begin to erupt, if your child's bite or tooth spacing have been affected by the cleft.
At home, you can begin by insisting on regular oral hygiene as soon as your child can manipulate a toothbrush. Ask your dentist for suggestions on brushes and floss types, and supervise your child in brushing after every meal.
3. Speech and Other Therapies
Repairing a cleft lip can set back a child's speech development and make learning more difficult. Social issues, such as teasing or being shunned by other children, can add to emotional stress. Your team of specialists should include a speech and language therapist, social worker and psychologist to help your child deal with matters that may accompany cleft lip recovery.
