Assessment of the Mouth

The oral cavity assessment starts with the lips, checking for symmetry, moisture, color, and overall appearance.

Healthy lips are usually pink, smooth, and lesion-free. Palpation is done to detect lumps or tenderness.

Next, inspect the buccal mucosa by opening the patient's mouth wide, using a tongue blade to pull aside the cheek, and palpating to identify any lumps, bumps, tenderness, nodules, indurations, or ulcers.

Healthy gums should appear firm and pink without inflammation, discoloration, or recession.

Palpation of the gums helps identify abnormal findings.

The tonsils, uvula, soft palate, and pharynx are inspected by tilting the head, depressing the tongue, and observing the rise and midline position of the uvula and soft palate when saying "ahh."

The floor of the mouth is examined by lifting the tongue to reveal any mucosal lesions or abnormalities.

The tongue is checked for a thin white coating on top and a smooth underside, noting changes in texture, mobility, growth, or pigmentation.

Finally, palpation is done to identify masses and ulcers, especially under the tongue, a common site for oral cancer.