Mouth Problems, Noninjury
Emergencies
Yes Do you have any of the following symptoms that require emergency treatment? Call 911 or other emergency services immediately.
- Severe dehydration:
- Moderate to severe difficulty breathing:
- Rapid swelling of the throat or tongue that makes breathing hard
- Drooling with trouble breathing or without being able to cry or make sounds (epiglottitis)
- Difficulty chewing or moving the tongue with other loss of function
- Lower teeth or jaw pain with unexplained chest pain or that occurs with any other symptoms of a heart attack
Check Your Symptoms
If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.
If you have the following symptoms, evaluate those symptoms first.
- A suspected allergic reaction: Go to the topic Allergic Reaction.
- Mouth or dental injury: Go to the topic Mouth and Dental Injuries.
- Toothache or gum problem: Go to the topic Toothache and Gum Problems.
Yes Do you have problems chewing, swallowing, or moving your tongue?
Yes Do you have a tongue problem?
Yes Do you have one or more sores in or around your mouth?
Yes Do you have white or red patches in your mouth?
Yes Do you have cracking, splitting, or chapping at the corners of your mouth or on your lips?
Yes Do you have a dry mouth?
Yes Do you think a medicine may be the cause of your mouth problem?
Yes Have you noticed changes in the way your breath smells?
Yes Are your dentures or other dental appliance causing discomfort?
Yes Do you have burning, tingling, or numbness inside your mouth or your lips?
Yes Have you noticed changes in the way things taste?
Yes Do you have a lump, thickening, or growth in your mouth?
Other Symptoms to Watch For
Do you have any of the following symptoms?
- Dehydration: Go to the topic Dehydration.
- Sore throat: Go to the topic Sore Throat.
If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.
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| Author: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA | Last Updated: December 1, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Steven K. Patterson, BSc, DDS, MPH - Dentist | |
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| Topic Contents | |
| Topic Overview | |
 | Emergencies |
| Check Your Symptoms | |
| Home Treatment | |
| Prevention | |
| Preparing For Your Appointment | |
| Related Information | |
| Credits | |