Cleft lip is a common birth condition and children born with cleft lip find it hard to consume breast milk from their mother's breast. Hence it is recommended to do the cleft lip correction surgery within 3-6 months after the child is born.

Openings or splits in the roof of the mouth are called cleft palate. These children might find it difficult to eat and breathe and also can develop ear infections. Corrective surgery for cleft palate is usually done between 1-2 years after the birth of the child.

Watch Dr. Shaktivel, Maxillofacial surgeon at New Medical Centre Pondy talk about causes and treatment for cleft lip and cleft palate.