Assessing the Mouth and OropharynxAnatomy of the Mouth

• Following areas need to be assessed:

– Lips– Mucous Membranes– Gums– Teeth– Tongue– Salivary Glands– Hard and Soft Palate– Tonsils– Tonsilar Pillars– Posterior Oropharynx

Mouth and Oropharynx

• Function– Vocalization– Air Passage– Passage for Food– Initiation of Digestion– Sensory Organ

Mouth Problems

• Dental caries• Periodontal disease (pyorrhea)• Plaque• Tartar• Gingivitis• Glossitis• Parotitis• Sordes

Assessing the Mouth and Oropharynx• Inquire if the client has any history of the

following:• Routine pattern of dental care, last visit to

dentist• Length of time ulcers or other lesions have

been present• Denture discomfort• Medications client is receiving

Lips and Buccal Mucosa

• Inspect the outer lips for symmetry of contour, color, and texture• Uniform pink color, soft, moist smooth

texture• Ability to purse lips• Symmetry of contour

Inspect and palpate the inner lips and buccal mucosa for color, moisture, texture and presence of lesions

Teeth and Gums• Inspect the teeth and gums while examining the

inner lips and buccal mucosa• Inspect the dentures

Tongue/Floor of the Mouth • Inspect the surface of the tongue for position,

color and texture• Inspect the tongue movement• Inspect the base of the tongue, the mouth floor,

and the frenulum• Palpate the tongue and the floor of the mouth for

any lumps, nodules or excoriated areas

Lifespan Considerations• Infants:

• Inspect the palate and uvula for a cleft• First teeth erupt at about 6 to 7 months of

age

• Children

• White spots on the teeth may indicate excessive fluoride ingestion

• Drooling is common up to 2 years of age• Tonsils are normally larger in children than

adults it may extend beyond the palatine arc until the age of 11 or 12 years old

• Elders• Oral mucosa may be drier than that of

younger persons• Taste sensations diminish • Teeth may show signs of staining, erosion

and abrasion• Gag reflex may be sluggish