This site is intended for healthcare professionals
Guidelines
  • Home
  • /
  • Guidelines
  • /
  • Other congenital anomalies
  • /
  • Palate examination: Identification of cleft palate...
Guideline

Palate examination: Identification of cleft palate in the newborn

Read time: 1 mins
Last updated:30th Sep 2014
Palate examination: Identification of cleft palate in the newborn - Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH)


A cleft palate occurs when the roof of the mouth has not joined completely. Delay in detection of a cleft palate may adversely affect growth, development and timely medical and surgical management.

This guide provides recommendations to health care professionals for optimal examination of the palate during the routine newborn examination to ensure early detection of a cleft palate.


Read full Guideline