Understanding Cleft Conditions

Learn about the causes, incidence and impact of cleft lip and palate, and how Operation Smile goes beyond single surgeries to transform lives, health systems and communities.

What Are Cleft Conditions?

A cleft is a gap in the mouth that didn’t close during the early stages of pregnancy, and it happens more often than you may realize. Cleft lip and palate are believed to be the most common craniofacial differences worldwide. Without intervention, affected children battle a lifetime of difficulties with eating, breathing, speaking and mental health.

Complications of Cleft Conditions

Cleft lip and palate are not an aesthetic problem. Individuals with untreated cleft conditions face a host of medical complications that affect every facet of their lives.

Nutrition

Infants with cleft conditions can struggle with nursing and feeding, which can lead to malnutrition. Operation Smile provides global nutrition programs to ensure surgical patients get the support they need for optimal growth and development.

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Oral Health

Oral health care is a vital component of the as complete as possible care provided by Operation Smile. By integrating oral health care into our comprehensive cleft care model, Operation Smile aims to enhance the overall well-being of our patients, ensuring that their dental health is prioritized alongside surgical and nutritional needs.

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Psychosocial Care

At Operation Smile, we provide whole-person, developmentally appropriate care that is family-centered and culturally sensitive. Our psychosocial support aims to address not only the emotional and psychological needs of our patients but also to empower families throughout the healing process. By fostering an environment of understanding and compassion, we help children and their families navigate the complexities of living with a cleft condition, promoting resilience and overall well-being.

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Speech Care

Many children with cleft conditions may feel self-conscious about their speech or struggle to articulate certain sounds. Through speech therapy, these children can achieve more than just improved communication; they can form deeper connections with their families, friends and communities. Our specialized speech therapy programs are designed to enhance their verbal skills, fostering confidence and promoting meaningful interactions that enrich their lives and relationships.

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Surgery

Every child deserves safe surgery and care. For patients who receive cleft surgery, a new life can begin — a life that’s free from stigma and filled with the hope for a brighter future.

Surgery

Cleft by the Numbers

Cleft lip and palate go untreated due to cost, lack of access to qualified medical staff and social stigma against medical intervention. At Operation Smile, we’re committed to erasing these barriers to care.

5m

People Living with Untreated Cleft Conditions in the Countries We Work

3 minutes

How Often a Child is Born with a Cleft Condition Globally

1 in 700

Children Born with Cleft Conditions Globally

The child with a cleft condition took us back to the community, to show us the need and get us to pay attention to the health system.
— Dr. Bill Magee, Co-Founder and CEO Emeritus of Operation Smile

Frequently Asked Questions About Cleft

Check out this Q&A for more information about cleft conditions.

Many risk factors can increase the likelihood of cleft conditions. While some causes are still unknown, genetics and family history, pre-existing medical conditions, poor nutrition and exposure to harmful environmental substances can affect the healthy development of a baby. We continue to research the potential causes of cleft conditions — through projects like the International Family Study — and publish findings to help the medical community understand risk factors and hope for prevention.

Depending on type and severity, untreated cleft conditions can cause serious health issues in children: feeding difficulties leading to malnutrition, recurring ear infections, impaired jaw and dental development, and hindered speech and language development, often resulting in bullying and social isolation.

While cleft surgery is crucial, it’s just one part of a patient’s treatment. Comprehensive pre- and post-surgical care is essential for their overall well-being.

Yes! Our work in expanding access to care affects entire communities. The health care providers we train treat patients with other conditions. For example, plastic surgeons often treat burns and tumors as well as cleft conditions. We are working to strengthen health systems and ensure that everyone has access to safe essential surgery in the countries where we work. Learn more about our work advancing health equity.