Mouth Problems, Noninjury: Check Your Symptoms

Content provided by Healthwise

When to See a Doctor

Do you have white or red patches in your mouth?

See significance of white or red patches 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 the following question.

Yes

Does your baby have white patches in his or her mouth and difficulty swallowing or is unwilling or unable to eat?

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

Yes

Do you have white patches on the roof of your mouth?

Yes

Does your baby have white patches in his or her mouth and 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 improved after 3 to 4 days of 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 in the mouth without other symptoms for 2 weeks or longer?

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