Mouth and Pharynx - Inspection

Lips

Inspect color and moisture.

Teeth

Assess color, condition, missing teeth, and dentures.

Gums

Inspect color, swelling, bleeding, and inflammation.

Oral Mucosa

Inspect color, ulcers, and adequate saliva.

Tongue

Assess color, texture, symmetry, and inspect undersurface and floor of mouth for lesions.

Hard Palate

Inspect color and abnormalities.

Pharynx and Tonsils

Inspect color and swelling.

CN XII - Hypoglossal

Controls tongue movement. Ask the patient to stick out their tongue and say "Ah." Assess symmetry and midline position.

CN IX - Glossopharyngeal

Responsible for swallowing and part of the gag reflex.

CN X - Vagus

Responsible for swallowing, palate movement, and part of the gag reflex.

Swallowing/Gag Reflex

Assess swallowing and gag reflex according to lab instructions.

Normal Mouth Findings

Lips are pink and moist. Oral mucosa has adequate saliva with no swelling, bleeding, ulceration, or lesions. Tongue is midline. No tonsillar swelling. Dentition is normal. CN IX, X, and XII are intact.