It is responsible for closing off the nasal passages during the act of swallowing, and also for closing off the airway. During sneezing, it protects the nasal passage by diverting a portion of the excreted substance to the mouth. In humans, the uvula hangs from the end of the soft palate.

What does it mean when a baby has a high palate?

When a child has a high, narrow palate, it could be a sign that the tongue can’t lift to the roof of the mouth. In addition to affecting the shape of the palate, it can also affect feeding and sleep breathing. A child with a tongue tie may not be able to achieve a proper latch when nursing.

What causes a Hairlip?

Cleft lip and cleft palate are thought to be caused by a combination of genes and other factors, such as things the mother comes in contact with in her environment, or what the mother eats or drinks, or certain medications she uses during pregnancy.

Can the soft palate be damaged?

If tissues are consistently rubbed by dentures and other devices, lumps and scar tissue may develop. Impalement. Sticks, pens, pencils, toys, and straws are common objects that can impale the soft palate. Impalement frequently results in bleeding and may require treatment to prevent infection.

What does a normal palate look like?

Visual inspection with a penlight shows a healthy palate as whitish in color, with a firm texture and irregular transverse rugae. Abnormal findings include yellowness or extreme pallor, and diseases include torus palatinus, cleft palate, submucous cleft palate, High-arched palate, Kaposi’s sarcoma and leukoplakia.

What is a hard palate?

Listen to pronunciation. (… PAL-et) The front, bony part of the roof of the mouth.

Can babies with cleft palate use a pacifier?

The doctor will decide when the palate incision is healed enough to add milk products and then pureed foods. See the education sheet, “Cleft palate repair: Feeding your child”. Again, all feedings should be followed by a water rinse. No nipples, pacifiers, or straws are permitted.