Assessing the Mouth and Oropharynx

Anatomy 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