Method Of Exam

Prior to beginning the mouth exam, have the patient remove dentures, if any.

• Inspect lips and angle of mouth  
  • for color 
  • and moisture.

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 
  • color 
  • architecture of hard palate
• Examine the tongue (sides and undersurface also) note
  •  size
  • color
  • surface.
• 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.