Did you know that July is National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness Month? One in every 700 babies is born with a cleft lip, cleft palate, or both. The cleft, or opening, can be on one side or both sides of a baby’s upper lip and/or upper jaw. Babies undergo surgical procedures to close a cleft lip and/or palate, and often experience difficulty feeding and speaking.
Many children who are born with a cleft lip or palate also have missing teeth, variations in the formation of enamel, and even following surgical correction, often experience insufficient growth of the upper jaw. Teeth near the repaired cleft palate are often positioned in a way that makes it difficult to access for brushing. Dr. Villasenor has expertise in providing dental care for children who have a history of a cleft lip or palate, and she advises that routine preventive visits from an early age are extra important. As children begin the transition to permanent teeth, she will connect them to an orthodontist who is also experienced in treating children who have a history of a cleft lip or palate, as not all specialists have the same background and training.
Children who are born with a cleft lip and/or palate should be followed by a craniofacial team. This team consists of a plastic surgeon, ENT surgeon, oral surgeon, pediatric dentist, orthodontist, speech therapist, audiologist, pediatrician, and a social worker. The clinic visit is very efficient for families since children are seen by each provider and then the team collaborates on a multidisciplinary plan for each child. Dr. Villasenor has been the pediatric dentist on the Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children Cleft and Craniofacial Team since 2015.
If your child was born with a cleft lip and/or palate, the team at Rise and Shine Pediatric Dentistry is here for you to provide the best dental care and connect you to a network of resources in Denver. Request an appointment today!