*Corresponding Author: Gitika Jha, Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Bapuji Dental College and Hospital, India.

Received: May 15, 2024; Published: June 27, 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Cleft lip and palate are a frequent and significantly disfiguring congenital anomaly affecting children. Apart from the resulting functional dysfunction, this visible deformity is a major social stigma in developing countries like India.

Case Report: A 3-month-old infant was referred to department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, Bapuji Dental College and Hospital. Clinical examination revealed unilateral cleft on the right side associated with hypertelorism. The child appeared emaciated along with atypical injuries about which the parents failed to provide suitable answer. After a detailed examination, it was suspected that the child was a victim of abuse. The child was sent to pediatrician for further investigation and diagnosis on malnourishment and abuse. A follow up phone call revealed the demise of the child a day after the dental visit and parents denied further follow up.

Conclusion: In the Indian context child abuse needs serious consideration, particularly among the underprivileged rural and urban communities, where child protection systems are not well developed. Supporting parents through counseling, reinforcement of positive attitudes, education about available treatment options and appropriate training to pediatric dentist in timely recognition of child abuse will not only break this vicious cycle but also can save a precious life.

Keywords: Cleft Lip; Cleft Palate; Child Abuse; Atypical Injuries; Social Stigma

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Citation

Citation: Gitika Jha., et al. “Is Cleft Still a Taboo? A Case Report of Child Abuse in a Cleft Lip and Palate Patient". Acta Scientific Dental Sciences 8.7 (2024): 137-140.

Copyright

Copyright: Gitika Jha., et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.