Congenital defects of the oral cavity are deformities that occur in the formation and development of the various parts of the mouth, and these defects result from disorders in the embryonic formation. Congenital defects of the oral cavity include several types such as cleft lip and palate (known as harelip), improper closure of the upper lip (cleft in the upper lip), and gingival hypertrophy, in addition to deformities of the teeth and tongue and others. Learn through the  Dalili Medical website that these defects require appropriate medical intervention and corrective treatments to improve the shape and natural function of the oral cavity and face, which contributes to improving the quality of life for those affected by them.

**What is the oral cavity?**

 

The oral cavity is the first part of the aerobic digestive system, starting at the lips and ending in an area of ​​the throat known as the pharynx. The oral cavity consists of several parts including the lips, tongue, floor of the mouth, gums, buccal mucosa, hard palate, and the triangle behind the molars.

**Causes of oral cavity birth defects:**

 

1. **Genetic factors:** Birth defects may be the result of inheriting genetic defects from previous generations.

 

2. **Vitamin B deficiency:** A deficiency of this vitamin during pregnancy can affect the formation of the fetus and lead to some birth defects.

3. **Fetal growth disorders:** A defect may occur in the development of the fetus in its early stages, leading to defects in the oral cavity.

4. **Genetic factors:** Some birth defects may be the result of abnormal genetic mutations that occur during cell reproduction.

5. **Maternal health factors:** Some maternal health conditions may increase the risk of birth defects in the fetus.

**Types of congenital defects in the oral cavity**

 

**Oral-Motor Dysfunction**

Oral motor dysfunction is one of the most common defects in the performance of the mouth, and important notes about this problem are the following:

- This disorder leads to drooling, food coming out of the mouth while eating, in addition to disturbances in the chewing process.

- This problem often appears in children, and is usually the result of weak contraction of the mouth muscles (hypotonia), cerebral palsy, or some syndromes.

- Other causes that may lead to this condition include paralysis of the facial nerve, or defects in the lips, tongue, and jaw structure.

- A defect in the development of the face may also occur completely as a result of infection with Goldenhar Syndrome (Hemifacial Microsomia – Goldenhar Syndrome).

**Oral Birth Defects**

Oral birth defects include:

- Congenital defects include microstomia and cleft lip with or without cleft palate.

- Cleft lip can be unilateral or bilateral, and sometimes extends to the base of the nose. Unilateral clefts are more common on the left side.

- Complete bilateral clefts are a complex birth defect that requires multiple surgeries to treat, and the final results are often unsatisfactory.

**Tongue Thrust**

Tongue thrust is a relatively common functional disorder that causes significant problems with chewing and speech. It is important to note that congenital tongue defects are rare, and may appear as a single defect or as part of a syndrome, such as Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome, Down Syndrome, or microglossia.

**Single dentition defects**

Single dentition defects are relatively common disorders, often resulting from a defect in the development of the jaws.

**Congenital anomalies of facial development**

 

Congenital anomalies of facial development can be symmetrical, such as a retracted lower jaw or a small and deformed lower jaw, which may appear to varying degrees and affect aesthetic and functional aspects, and may lead to breathing problems during sleep.

**Short lingual frenulum**

A short lingual frenulum is a common congenital anomaly, where the membrane at the base of the tongue is shortened, restricting the movement of the tongue. In this case, it is preferable to perform a frenulum separation to enable the tongue to move more freely.

**Glossoptosis**

Lingual frenulum is another defect that affects the tongue, causing difficulties in eating and breathing, and occurs as a result of the tongue twisting backwards, and this defect may be accompanied by problems in the lower jaw.

**Cleft lip (harelip)**

This condition involves openings or cracks in the upper lip or upper palate, and the degree of clefting can vary from mild to severe, affecting the facial structure, breathing and feeding functions.

**Incorrect closure of the upper lip (cleft lip)**

 

This defect results in a gap between the upper lip and the nose, which can affect speech and aesthetic appearance.

**Avulsion palate deformities**

Deformities in the structure of the avulsion palate can affect the space between the teeth and the lip, and may require corrective procedures by the best dentists in Qatar.

**Gingival pocket (gingival pocket) and gum recession**

 

This condition involves abnormalities in the growth of the gums, which can lead to health and aesthetic problems.

**Complications of Congenital Oral Defects**

 

Congenital oral defects can cause a range of disorders, including:

**Feeding Problems**

In cases of cleft palate, food may reflux from the mouth to the nose. In these cases, it is recommended to use special feeding bottles or nipples that facilitate the flow of liquid towards the stomach. Sitting upright also helps the child swallow milk and prevents it from leaking into the nose.

**Ear Problems**

A cleft palate contributes to an increase in cases of chronic otitis media due to fluid accumulation, which may lead to complete hearing loss if not treated quickly. Therefore, it is preferable to install ventilation tubes in the ears to drain fluids, and an annual hearing examination should be performed.

**Speech Problems**

Children may face difficulties inIn speech, these problems are often resolved after the deformity is repaired. However, some may be due to the child trying to compensate for his inability to produce the required sounds, which leads to a change in the pronunciation of letters. This problem is often not resolved automatically after repair.

**Dental problems**

Children with clefts are more susceptible to tooth decay and caries, in addition to tooth deformity in cases where the clefts reach the gums.

**Psychological problems**

Children with untreated cleft lip face social, emotional and behavioral problems, and may feel low self-confidence and social anxiety.

**Symptoms of congenital defects of the oral cavity**

 

The symptoms resulting from congenital defects of the oral cavity depend on the type and severity of the defect. The most noticeable symptoms are:

- The presence of a gap between the two ends of the upper lip, which appears as a narrow opening in the skin and may extend to include the upper jaw bone and gums.

- Cleft lip may appear as a small gap in the red part of the upper lip, and may be an incomplete or complete cleft that extends to the nose in severe cases.

- Cleft palate may not be noticeable at birth, but symptoms associated with it include:

- Difficulty swallowing.

- Speaking with a voice that sounds like it comes out of the nose.

- Recurrent ear infections.

- Feeding and speech disorders.

**Diagnosis of congenital defects of the oral cavity**

 

Important notes in diagnosing congenital defects of the oral cavity include the following:

- Diagnosis depends mainly on the symptoms that appear on the patient, which are clear in most cases.

- Some imaging tests, such as X-rays and ultrasound, are performed to detect defects before and after birth, which helps to accurately determine their locations.

- Sometimes, additional tests may be needed, such as blood tests and taking a biopsy to examine it under a microscope, in addition to other tests related to the symptoms that appear.

**Treatment of congenital defects in the oral cavity**

 

Treatment of congenital defects in the oral cavity depends on the nature of the case, and important points in this context include the following:

Many types of congenital defects in the mouth can be treated by surgery, and the success rate is often high, especially if the operation is performed in the first years of the child's life.

A surgical operation can be performed to close a cleft lip 2 to 3 months after birth, and in the case of a bilateral cleft, two surgeries may be required to close the clefts, one on each side with an interval of several weeks.

As for a cleft palate, it is treated through several surgeries that continue until the patient reaches the age of 18, and these operations aim to improve the ability to swallow and speak normally. If the cleft includes the bony part, the gap is usually filled with bone tissue taken from the ribs, chin, or thigh.

Ear problems are treated by installing ventilation tubes or using hearing aids or other devices to help children with hearing loss.

Speech problems require the help of a speech disorder specialist. The patient also needs an orthodontist to correct the angles of the teeth if the cracks affect them.

A psychologist or social worker can be consulted to help the child adapt and build self-confidence.

**Corrective surgery:** Surgery is used to correct birth defects such as cleft lip, cleft palate, and jaw defects, where the surgeon reshapes the damaged tissues and bones to improve appearance and function.

**Surgery to repair cleft palate:** The surgeon closes the cleft in the palate to enable the child to feed and speak normally.

**Multi-stage surgical treatment:** In some complex cases, the treatment of birth defects may require multiple surgical procedures in stages to gradually improve the condition.

**Orthodontic treatment:** It is used to correct jaw and tooth orientation defects, through the use of orthodontic appliances that help guide the jaws and teeth to their correct position.

**Prosthetic fixtures:** In cases of tooth loss, artificial fixtures such as dental implants and removable bodies can be used to replace missing teeth.

**Fillings Treatment:** If there are gaps or deformities in the teeth, fillings can be used to fill these gaps and improve the appearance of the teeth.

**Early Orthodontic Treatment:** Orthodontic treatment can be started at an early age to guide the growth of the jaws and teeth properly and reduce the need for surgery.

**Restorative Orthodontic Treatment:** It is used to replace missing or damaged teeth using restorative techniques such as dental crowns and dental bridges.

**Bone Grafting and Tissue Grafting:** In some cases, the patient may need bone or tissue grafting to improve the bone structure and tissues surrounding the oral cavity.

**Prevention of Birth Defects in the Oral Cavity**

 

There is no specific way to prevent birth defects in the oral cavity, since the causes are not fully understood. However, the likelihood of these defects can be reduced by:

- Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, or using drugs during pregnancy.

- Refrain from taking any medications or supplements that may lead to birth defects without consulting a doctor.