Which of the following findings in a newborn's oral examination would most likely indicate a concern?

The absence of the sucking reflex in a newborn is a significant finding that raises concern. The sucking reflex is a critical component of a newborn's ability to feed effectively. It typically appears from 15 to 18 weeks of gestation and is usually strong in healthy newborns at birth. The inability to suck poses an immediate risk to the infant’s nutritional status and suggests potential issues with neurological or developmental function.

When a newborn does not demonstrate this reflex, it can indicate underlying conditions such as neurological impairment, congenital abnormalities, or other significant health issues that may require further evaluation and intervention. Therefore, the absence of the sucking reflex points to a need for closer monitoring and possibly specialized care to ensure the infant's feeding needs are met and to assess for any associated complications.

In contrast, findings such as tongue size in proportion, a midline mouth, and an intact palate are generally indicative of normal development and do not raise immediate concerns in the context of oral examination in newborns.