Method Of Exam
Author: A. Chandrasekhar, MD |
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Prior to beginning the mouth exam, have the patient remove dentures, if any.
Proceed with the exam by using a wooden tongue blade and penlight.
- Teeth
- Inspect the number
- condition of the teeth
- Observe the gums, for
- color
- swelling
- tenderness.
- Inspect the roof of mouth for
- Examine the tongue (sides and undersurface also) note
- Have the patient protrude his tongue, noting the mid-line protrusion. Note the mobility and strength of the tongue muscle.
- Palpate the tongue and floor of mouth with a gloved finger. Grasp tongue with gauze and gently pull it to one side, inspect and feel the side and floor of tongue
- Inspect the mucous membrane of the entire mouth, including cheeks and roof.
- Observe the opening of Stensen's duct near the upper second molar and Wharton's duct under the base of tongue..
- Ask the patient to say "aaah" and observe the movement of the uvula. If necessary press a tongue blade firmly upon the tongue for visualization of the pharynx. Inspect the soft palate, tonsils and posterior pharynx.
Children do not like instrumentation. May have to examine
- With child sitting on mothers lap retraining hands.
- Wrapping the child in a cloth to restrain
Use a tongue blade along posterior portion and press down on mandible, mouth will open.