We are delighted to launch our new Cleft Lip & Palate Postcard which we have done in collaboration with the Cleft Team CHI (Jane Gunn, Cleft Lip & Palate Nurse Specialist, Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) at Temple Street, Dr. Eleanor McGovern, Consultant Paediatric Dental Surgeon, CHI at Temple Street and Dr Kirsten FitzGerald, Consultant Paediatric Dental Surgeon, CHI at Crumlin)
This resource has been developed to provide support and oral health information for parents of children affected by cleft lip and palate. Approximately 100 children are born with cleft every year in Ireland.
Clefts can be associated with missing or extra teeth, and malformed teeth and facial structures which means that children with clefts are at a higher risk of poor oral health, including tooth decay and gum disease. Good oral hygiene and oral health are essential building blocks of successful cleft care and can help a child avoid tooth decay and gum disease through daily healthy habits.