Health assessment on the mouth and oropharynx examination

1. THE MOUTH AND OROPHARYNX
EXAMINATION
PREPARED BY:
USHA RANI KANDULA,
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR,
DEPARTMENT OF ADULT HEALTH NURSING,
ARSI UNIVERSITY, ASELLA, ETHIOPIA,
EAST AFRICA.

2. THE MOUTH AND OROPHARYNX
-The structures of the mouth include the lips,
tongue, teeth, gingiva (gums), uvula, hard and
soft palate, and salivary glands and ducts.

5. On external inspection, the mouth and lips
should be symmetrical and without Lesions,
Swelling,
Or drooping.

6. -For an illustration of structures of the mouth,
illustrations of abnormal conditions,
and instructions for examining the mouth
and oropharynx.

7. THE LIPS, BUCCAL MUCOSA, AND
GINGIVA
The lips, buccal mucosa (mucous membrane
of the cheeks),
and gums should be smooth, moist, and
pink in color.

8. Increased pigmentation
(e.g., bluish or dark patches) occurs in dark-
skinned clients.
No lesions should be present.

9. THE FOLLOWING ARE ABNORMAL
FINDINGS:
Pallor may indicate anemia or
inadequate oxygenation.
Gingivitis is a sign of periodontal
disease.

12. You will see red, swollen, or spongy,
bleeding gingiva and receding gum lines.
The gums may be tender.

13. PAROTITIS
■ Parotitis is an inflammation of the parotid
salivary gland.

15. STOMATITIS
-Stomatitis is inflammation of the oral
mucosa.

17. LEUKOPLAKIA
-Leukoplakia
(thick, elevated white patches) that do not scrape
off may be precancerous lesions;
white, curdy patches that scrape off and bleed
indicate thrush (a fungal infection).

19. -Redness or abrasions of the gingiva may be
caused by poorly fitted dentures.

20. APHTHOUS ULCERS
-Aphthous ulcers are small, painful vesicles
with a reddened periphery and a white or
pale yellow base.

22. CANKER SORES
-Canker sores are a benign type of aphthous ulcer
believed to be caused by viral infection, allergies,
stress, or trauma.

24. -So-called “major” aphthous ulcers may be caused
by
Herpes simplex virus,
Human immunodeficiency virus,
And bacterial infections.

25. When inspecting the mouth, be sure to ask your
client about use of tobacco, either smoked or
chewed.
Both forms are associated with increased risk for
oral cancer.

26. THANKING YOU