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Description
July is National Cleft and Craniofacial Anomalies Month. What are craniofacial anomalies? Craniofacial anomalies are a group of mild to severe deformities in the bone growth of the head and face. Interestingly, facial anomalies are common in infants, children, teens, and adults. Common facial anomalies include a cleft lip which is a separation in the lip or roof of the mouth; and a cleft palate, where the roof of the mouth does not completely close, leaving an opening into the nasal cavity. These are just two types of craniofacial anomalies; there are several other types of craniofacial anomalies. Craniofacial anomalies occur before birth—women who smoke during pregnancy or have been diagnosed with diabetes before birth, have an increased chance to have a baby with cleft, than those women who did not smoke, or have diabetes before pregnancy. In the United States, cleft and craniofacial anomalies are often treated early in life. Untreated craniofacial anomalies can affect one’s oral health, including speech and eating.
To learn more about cleft and craniofacial anomalies, please click here
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