Cleft lip and cleft palate are congenital disabilities (formerly called birth defects) that occur when a baby’s lip or mouth does not form properly during pregnancy. In this article, Ability Central will answer seven Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about cleft lip and cleft palate, including:
What is a cleft lip?
What is a cleft palate?
Is it ok to use the term harelip to describe someone with a cleft lip?
What are the different types of cleft lip and palate?
What causes cleft lip and cleft palate?
What speech and communication issues are associated with cleft lip and cleft palate?
Where can I find more information about cleft lip and cleft palate?
What is a cleft lip?
A cleft lip is a birth defect or congenital disability in which the child’s upper lip does not form correctly. The slit in the lip is called a cleft.
What is a cleft palate?
A cleft palate is a birth defect or congenital disability in which the roof of the child’s mouth does not form correctly.
1 in 1,600 babies is born with cleft lip and cleft palate
1 in 2,800 babies is born with cleft lip without cleft palate
1 in 1,700 babies is born with cleft palate
Is it ok to use the term harelip to describe someone with a cleft lip?
When a baby is born with a cleft in their lip, palate, or a combination of both, it is sometimes referred to as:
Cleft mouth
Cleft lip and cleft palate
Cleft lip and palate
Clip lip
The term “harelip” first appeared In German-language medical literature in 1460. German surgeon Heinrich von Pfalzpaint used the word to describe the cleft lip because it resembled the lip of a rabbit. From there, “camel’s mouth” and “wolf’s maw” also became common descriptors.
Any version of the word “harelip” or connecting a person’s appearance with an animal is now considered derogatory, including:
Hair lip
Hair lip and cleft palate
Hare lip
Hare lip and cleft palate
Harelip and cleft palate
Harelip treatment
Harelip surgery
What are the different types of cleft lip and palate?
Cleft lips and palates are categorized by location and severity.
Types of cleft lip include:
A unilateral cleft lip has a cleft on one side.
A bilateral cleft lip has a cleft on both sides.
A complete cleft lip means the cleft extends from the top of the lip to the nostril.
An incomplete cleft lip means the cleft stops between the lip and the nostril.
An isolated cleft lip means there is a cleft lip but not a cleft palate.
Types of cleft palate include:
An alveolar cleft is an opening of the upper gum line.
A submucous cleft is an opening in the soft palate near the back of the roof of the mouth. A thin layer of tissue covers it and is often difficult to diagnose.
A complete cleft palate extends the full length of the roof of the mouth.
An incomplete cleft palate does not extend the full length of the roof of the mouth.
An isolated cleft palate means there is a cleft palate but no cleft lip.
What causes cleft lip and cleft palate?
Researchers do not know what causes all cleft lips and cleft palates. Clefts may be linked to:
Genetics. Cleft lips and palates often run in the same family.
Smoking or drinking during pregnancy.
Food eaten before or during pregnancy.
Medications taken during pregnancy.
Medical issues, including diabetes, epilepsy, and obesity.
What speech and communication issues are associated with cleft lip and cleft palate?
A cleft lip or cleft palate may cause a range of communication concerns, including both hearing and speaking. See First Steps After Diagnosis and Planning for Long-term Care to learn about these concerns.
Where can I find more information about cleft lip and cleft palate?
Ability Central offers a series of articles to further your knowledge about cleft lip and palate. See:
To connect with a non-profit specializing in cleft lip and palate care, see Ability Central’s searchable database of service providers.
Additional Information
The content provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for legal, medical, or other professional advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date resources, some information may become outdated or incomplete. Always consult with your provider about personal medical concerns.
