Mouth

1
Mouth
Inspection of the MOUTH 1.      Should use
light source for inspection 2.      Inspect lips,
gums, buccal mucosa, teeth 3.      Inspect
tongue, posterior pharynx 4.      Inspect floor
of mouth (under tongue) 5.      Elevation of
palate ("ah") 6.      Examination should be done
with minimal discomfort- -Dont forget to use
gloves and/or tongue blade
2
A tongue blade should be used to inspect the
lips, gums, buccal mucosa, and teeth. Its also
used to help separate the lips from the gums and
buccal mucosa, and the buccal mucosa from the
teeth. Be gentle - -minimize patient minimal
discomfort.
3
Items 50-53. The tongue should be inspected as
well as the posterior pharynx. The patient
should be asked to protrude their tongue so the
posterior tongue can be visualized. Inspection of
the posterior pharynx can be facilitated by
having the patient say, "Ah" and with use of a
tongue blade. The floor of the mouth should be
inspected. This is one of the most common places
to find cancer in the oral cavity. Have the
patient lift up their tongue and look under the
tongue. The patient should be asked to say "ah"
to help elevate the palate. The entire
examination should be done with minimal
discomfort. Other Also, in a patient who
smokes or drinks, the tongue, buccal mucosa,
gums, and floor of the mouth should be palpated.
Be sure to wear a glove.