Who is susceptible to mouth problems?
Some babies are born with mouth problems. Such congenital defects of the mouth can’t usually be prevented (though folic-acid supplements before and during pregnancy usually lower the risk of cleft palate and lip). Premature infants often have suckling difficulties due to mouth issues, too — not only because their suckling reflex is often immature but also because they’ve been through a lot mouth-wise. Many preemies have been suctioned, incubated, ventilated, and/or have had tubes and other medical devices placed in their mouths while in the neonatal intensive care unit, leading some babies to reject oral feedings or have difficulty with suckling.
