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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Does Having Soft Cleft Palate Affect An Infant S Physical And Mental Growth?

Hello! 2 months back we came to know that our baby has soft cleft palate! She is 7 month old. Every dr.we consulted said that this is very minor therefor no body noticed it so far. My question is what effect does cleft palate have on baby? does it affect baby s mental or physical growth? Though my baby does every action which her age demands but physically she is lean and not gaining adequate weight every month. Although she feeds well her length is also good. Plz reply
Thu, 12 Jan 2017
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Dentist,  's  Response
Hi,

As per your complain it seems that cleft palate occurs due to lack of fusion of the palatal bones leading to a communication between the nasal cavity and mouth. Secondly there can be delayed or slow growth in infants with cleft palate but there is less evidence of a drastic growth retardation.

So I would suggest you to consult a Trained Pedodontist and get evaluated and a thorough clinical evaluation and investigations like x-rays can be done. She can be surgically treated to repair the cleft when she reaches the age of 12 months and then proper therapy will be given for proper speech and swallowing so that it does not further interfere with the quality of her life.

Hope this information helps. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Thanks and regards,
Dr. Honey Nandwani Arora
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Does Having Soft Cleft Palate Affect An Infant S Physical And Mental Growth?

Hi, As per your complain it seems that cleft palate occurs due to lack of fusion of the palatal bones leading to a communication between the nasal cavity and mouth. Secondly there can be delayed or slow growth in infants with cleft palate but there is less evidence of a drastic growth retardation. So I would suggest you to consult a Trained Pedodontist and get evaluated and a thorough clinical evaluation and investigations like x-rays can be done. She can be surgically treated to repair the cleft when she reaches the age of 12 months and then proper therapy will be given for proper speech and swallowing so that it does not further interfere with the quality of her life. Hope this information helps. Let me know if I can assist you further. Thanks and regards, Dr. Honey Nandwani Arora