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a congenital condition where there is an opening or gap in the roof of the mouth, often present from birth
What is a "cleft palate"?
A cleft palate is a condition where there is a split or opening in the roof of the mouth from birth. This split can occur on one side, which is called an unilateral cleft palate, or both sides, which is called a bilateral cleft palate, and can vary in seriousness. It happens when the tissue that forms the roof of the mouth does not fully come together during fetal development. A cleft palate can cause difficulties with feeding, speech, and ear infections. Treatment typically involves surgery to close the gap in the palate, along with therapy to improve feeding and speech development.
