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#REDIRECT [[Cleft lip and cleft palate#Cleft palate]]
'''Cleft palate''' is a condition in which the two plates of the [[skull]] that form the [[hard palate]] (roof of the mouth) are not completely joined. In some cases, [[cleft lip]] is present as well.
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==Complications==
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Cleft palate may cause problems with feeding, ear disease, and speech. Some of the primary and permanent teeth may also be missing. When the lip is cleft as well, the person may face social stigma.
==Causes==
A cleft in the palate is normally present in early embryos; usually these clefts close five or six weeks after conception. The causes of the cleft remaining open are poorly understood. Possibilities include genetics, drugs, infections, maternal illness, maternal smoking and [[alcohol]] use, and deficiency of [[folic acid]].
In some cases, cleft palate is caused by syndromes which also cause other problems.
==Treatment==
Cleft palate can be corrected by [[surgery]], usually performed between 9 and 18 months. Repeated surgeries are often necessary as the child grows.
==External links==
*[http://www.cleftclub.com CleftClub.com - Cleft lip and palate support groups and information center]
*[http://www.borntobecleft.com Born to be Cleft] - One person's story.
*[http://www.marchofdimes.com/professionals/681_1210.asp Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate (March of Dimes)]
*[http://www.cleftsurgery.org Non-profit cleft surgery organization]
*[http://www.smilechina.com Smile China Project]
*[http://www.smiletrain.org The Smile Train]
*[http://www.worldcf.org/index.cfm World Craniofacial Foundation]
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[[Category:Congenital disorders]]
[[nl:Gespleten gehemelte]]
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