{"id":539,"date":"2019-07-29T15:13:56","date_gmt":"2019-07-29T15:13:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.weatherfordfamilydentist.com\/blog\/?p=539"},"modified":"2024-10-02T20:20:18","modified_gmt":"2024-10-02T20:20:18","slug":"dentist-in-weatherford-cleft-lip","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.weatherfordfamilydentist.com\/blog\/dentist-in-weatherford-cleft-lip\/","title":{"rendered":"Dentist in Weatherford Warns of Head and Facial Birth Defects"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"CleftExpecting a new addition to the family soon? It\u2019s an exciting time, to be sure, but it\u2019s also a time to be aware of potential birth defects that could negatively affect your child\u2019s health and appearance. July is National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness and Prevention Month, and your dentist in Weatherford is celebrating by making sure you\u2019re well-informed of the dangers of a cleft lip or a cleft palate.<\/p>\n

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What is a Cleft Lip or a Cleft Palate?<\/h2>\n

Normally, the lips and palate are sealed together before the child is born. However, orofacial clefts cause part of the face or mouth to remain split, creating a narrow gap. This results in a cleft lip, a cleft palate, or both.<\/p>\n

What Can Cause Orofacial Clefts?<\/h2>\n

Unfortunately, the exact cause of a cleft usually isn\u2019t clear. Oftentimes, genetics seem to play a role; child is more likely to suffer from an orofacial cleft if a blood relative also had the same condition. Environment is a factor as well. Certain medications (such as methotrexate, commonly taken for cancer, arthritis or psoriasis) might also increase your risk.<\/p>\n

Studies have shown that smoking during early pregnancy might cause orofacial clefts to form. For this reason, women who plan to become pregnant or have just become pregnant should give up cigarettes as soon as possible. In general, you should make sure you\u2019re in good overall health \u2013 for your baby\u2019s sake as well as your own.<\/p>\n

What if Orofacial Clefts are Left Alone?<\/h2>\n

Clefts in the lip and palate aren\u2019t just a cosmetic problem. They can also present the following challenges for your child:<\/p>\n