What causes cleft lips and palate?

Cleft lips and palates occur due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors during early fetal development. These conditions arise when the tissues that form the lip and roof of the mouth do not fully fuse, leading to openings or splits. Factors that may contribute include maternal smoking, certain medications, nutritional deficiencies, and genetic predispositions. However, the exact cause can vary for each individual, and often, the exact reason remains unclear.