Infant palatal obturator.

ABSTRACT

The occurrence of a congenital cleft palate greatly impedes the habituation of efficient deglutition of an infant, causing aspiration of fluids in the air passage which may lead to complications like bronchopneumonia and infection of the airway and lungs. Inadequate nourishment due to difficulty in feeding affects the health and acts as a stumbling block in the milestones of normal development. Severe nutritional deficiencies further complicate surgical closure at the right time. A palatal obturator given to the infant effectively separates the oral cavity from the nasal cavity and is of great help in feeding till the defect can be surgically repaired.