Health assessment on the teeth examination

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

2. THE TEETH EXAMINATION
Healthy adults typically have 28 teeth, or 32 if the
wisdom teeth are present.
The teeth should be fixed to the gum and without
obvious debris or darkening that may indicate
caries.

3. -Tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease are
common.

4. Poor oral hygiene is a major contributing factor
for both.
As you examine the mouth and teeth, talk to the
patient about his oral care.

5. -Recommend tooth brushing after each
meal, daily flossing, and dental checkups
every 6 months.

6. THE TONGUE
-When inspecting the mouth, carefully examine all
aspects of the tongue: dorsal, ventral, and lateral.

7. The tongue should be
Moist,
Symmetrical,
Slightly rough,
Smooth,
Pink,
And freely movable.

8. THE FOLLOWING ARE ABNORMAL
FINDINGS:
Limited mobility of the tongue.
Deviation from the midline,
which may be caused by damage to the hypoglossal
nerve (CN XII).

9. Glossitis (inflammation of the tongue).
A dry, furry tongue,
which is associated with dehydration.
 A black, “hairy” tongue,
which is associated with fungal infections.

11. Reddened mucosa,
ulcerations,
and absence of papillae which may indicate
allergy,
 inflammation,
or infection.

12. Swelling,
 nodules,
or ulcers.

13. A smooth, red tongue,
which may occur in clients who have a
deficiency of iron,
vitamin B12,
or vitamin B3.

14. THE HARD AND SOFT PALATES AND
OROPHARYNX
The hard palate,
soft palate, and
oropharynx should be pink, moist, and intact.
No lesions,
swelling,
erythema,
or discharge should be present.

15. If the tonsils are present, they should be
symmetrical,
small in size,
and free of exudate in a healthy person.

16. UVULA
-The uvula is midline and should rise on
phonation (vocalization).

17. THANKING YOU