Cleft Palate (Noun)
Meaning
A congenital fissure of the hard palate.
Classification
Nouns denoting natural processes.
Examples
- A baby born with a cleft palate may need surgery to repair the condition.
- Surgery to repair a cleft palate is typically done in stages, with the first surgery usually taking place around 3 to 6 months of age.
- Cleft palate repair surgery involves closing the opening in the roof of the mouth with tissue from the surrounding area.
- In some cases, a cleft palate can also affect the soft tissue at the back of the throat, making it harder to breathe and eat.
- Untreated cleft palate can lead to difficulties with speech, eating, and breathing, as well as ear infections and hearing loss.