When and how will my child’s teeth grow in?
Children born with clefts usually get all of their primary teeth by age two and a half. Some of those teeth may be rotated, misshapen, or located in an unusual places, particularly those nearest the cleft. Children born with clefts may also be missing permanent teeth. The dental specialists on the team will discuss how these issues can be addressed, if necessary.

Children born with clefts can also have extra teeth. Extra teeth should never be removed without consulting the dental specialists on the cleft team. In fact, your family/pediatric dentist should communicate with the members of your team regarding any special dental concerns.

What care does my child need during toddlerhood and the preschool years?
Babies born with clefts should have their initial dental check-up when their first tooth emerges or by the end of the first year, even if no teeth have erupted. These checkups should take place twice a year or more often if there are problems that require attention. Your dentist will advise you when regular cleaning by a dental hygienist should begin.

Prevention and treatment of cavities is especially important in children born with clefts. Snacks should be healthy, such as carrots, apples, etc., not candy or gum. And no child should be given soda pop or powdered drinks, which can lead to unhealthy dietary habits and dental cavities. Be sure to discuss these issues with your pediatrician and dentist early in your child’s life.

Citations:

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Policy on the dental home. The Reference Manual of Pediatric Dentistry. Chicago, Ill.: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry; 2023:35-7.

American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association. Parameters of Care For Evaluation and Treatment of Individuals with Cleft Lip and/or Palate and/or Other Craniofacial Conditions. ACPAcares.org. Published February 14, 2025. Accessed February 14, 2025.

https://acpacares.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2024-ACPA_ParametersOfCare_Final.pdf.

American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association. Toddlers and Preschoolers. ACPAcares.org. Accessed September 1, 2024. https://acpacares.org/resource-center/.

Padung N, Singh S, Awasthi N. First Dental Visit: Age Reasons Oral Health Status and Dental Treatment Needs among Children Aged 1 Month to 14 Years. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent. 2022;15(4):394- 397. doi:10.5005/jp-journals-10005-2406

Page reviewed by Soumya Padala, BDS, MDS; ACPA Family Resources Committee