Mouth Problems, Noninjury: Check Your Symptoms

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When to See a Doctor

Do you have a tongue problem?

See significance of a tongue problem if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Is your baby having problems swallowing or unwilling or unable to eat?

Yes

Is your tongue so swollen that you are having mild problems breathing?

Yes

Are you having problems swallowing because your tongue is so swollen?

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have a strawberry- or raspberry-colored tongue and a sore throat?

Yes

Do you have a strawberry- or raspberry-colored tongue and do you know or think you have a fever?

Yes

Do you have a strawberry- or raspberry-colored tongue along with a rash?

Yes

Does your baby have white patches on his or her tongue and he or she is acting fussy?

Yes

Are you being treated for thrush but your symptoms are getting worse?

Yes

Are you being treated for thrush but your symptoms have not gotten better after 3 to 4 days of treatment?

You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have a black or brown coating on your tongue that has not gotten better with 24 hours of home treatment?

Yes

Do you have an unexplained sore tongue that has not gotten better with 24 hours of home treatment?

You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Have you had white or red patches on your tongue for more than 2 weeks?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Last updated:	September 26, 2008
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Steven K. Patterson, BSc, DDS, MPH - Dentist
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer