Mouth Problems, Noninjury: Check Your Symptoms

Content provided by Healthwise

When to See a Doctor

Do you have problems chewing, swallowing, or moving your tongue?

See significance of problems chewing, swallowing, or moving your tongue 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

Do you have sudden problems chewing or moving your tongue?

Yes

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

Yes

Do you have severe problems swallowing with mild difficulty breathing?

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

Yes

Are you having unexplained moderate problems chewing or swallowing?

Yes

Are you having unexplained moderate problems moving your tongue?

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

Yes

Have you had mild problems chewing, swallowing, or moving your tongue for longer 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