Lymph nodes (tonsillar, submandibular and submental nodes) for symmetry, enlargement, consistency, and tenderness.

Odor, dryness, oral hygiene, presence of prosthesis, food particles, and any active bleeding or dried blood.

The Brief Oral Health Status Examination (BOHSE) is a validated tool for oral examination that can be applied reliably in about 2-3 minutes it evaluates 10 oral anatomical structures and rates them on a 3-point scale: 0 normal, 1 little structural disease status, 2 great structural disease status. If unable to complete the oral examination, referring the patient a dentist or otolaryngologist may be necessary.

Delay the exam of agitated/delirious patients until they are more calm, do not use excessive force or metal devices to force the mouth open, to avoid injury do not insert the finger. Gauze, a penlight, wooden tongue-depressor, and pair of gloves will suffice for the initial evaluation for most patients. Do you have dentures? Oral bleeding? Dryness? Sense of taste? Odor? Difficulties chewing/swallowing? Assessment of patients not able to express their symptoms (e.g., those with dementia, aphasia)Īssess generalized pain (with i.e., the Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia scale) and thus focus on pains that could benefit from an oral evaluation.

What is its location? Character? Does it worsen with hot or cold foods/liquids? Is there pain or discomfort in the mouth. An attentive oral history and examination can advance diagnosis and symptom control. Patients with serious illness are vulnerable to oral complications, with symptoms that may impact their quality of life.

Lidocaine swish and swallow