Physical ( Mouth, Pharynx and Neck)

Physical (Mouth, Pharynx & Neck)

Mouth

Physical examination (Physician assessment)			Self-scoring is possible with some items, but examinations of the mouth, pharynx and neck are best accomplished by healthcare professionals.
	Score	Normal expectations	Recommended action steps
Mouth
Breath odor [For each of the following items, score 1 if odor is present, otherwise score 0]		Odor-free for all categories
Poor oral hygiene/food odors			If present, report to dentist for evaluation
Fecal/rotten egg = gastrointestinal diseases			If present, the condition requires treatment by a physician.
Fruity/sweet = ketones = diabetes			If present, the condition requires treatment by a physician.
Fishy/urine smell = kidney diseases			If present, the condition requires treatment by a physician.
Musty/Moldy = respiratory infections			If present, the condition requires treatment by a physician.
Bleach like = liver diseases			If present, the condition requires treatment by a physician.
*Lips* [For each of the following items, score 1 if the condition is present, otherwise score 0]		Resilient, pink, and smooth, distinct vermillion border, commissure free of lesions, for all categories
Blue/purple = cyanosis (low blood O₂)			If present, the condition requires treatment by a physician.
Pale/white = anemia (low red blood cells/hemoglobin)			If present, the condition requires treatment by a physician.
Swollen/cracked = vitamin deficiency, esp. B2(riboflavin), B3(niacin)			If present, the condition requires treatment by a physician.
Red/swollen = allergic reaction/angioedema			If present, the condition requires treatment by a physician.
*Tongue* [For each of the conditions shown below score 1 if present, otherwise score 0.]		Dorsal, ventral, and lateral presentation should be a healthy pink.
Paleness			Pale in color could be a sign of anemia and should be reported to a physician
Blue at tip			A blueish tip could be a sign of cyanosis and should be reported to a physician
Bright red			Bright red and swollen is a sign of glossitis and/or vitamin B12 and folate deficiency
Fissures		Minor fissures have no clinical consequences and could be present at birth	Multiple large bright red fissures should be reported to a physician
Bald spots		Minor bald spots have no clinical consequences and could be present at birth	Multiple large bright red bald spots should be reported to a physician
Thick white/yellowish coating dorsally		Pink with some furring and/or food discolorations	Presence of thick coating could be due to candidiasis and should be reported to a physician
Ulcerations & various lesions		Healthy tissue, free of lesions and ulcerations	Any lesions, especially laterally should be reported as they are potential signs of infections and cancer
Teeth & Gum [For each of the conditions shown below score 1 if present, otherwise score 0.]
Dental caries		Dental Cary-free	If present, report to dentist for evaluation
Missing teeth		Full set	If missing, report to dentist for evaluation
Denture issues		Adequate quality and fit	If in doubt seek second opinion
Receding gum		Healthy gum covering root and neck of teeth	If present, report to periodontist for evaluation
Bleeding gum		No inflammation or bleeding upon mild contact	If present, report to periodontist for evaluation
*Buccal mucous membrane* [For each of the conditions shown below score 1 if present, otherwise score 0.]		Smooth pink surface and no discomfort
Red/white patches/lumps			If present, observation must be evaluated by physician for oral cancer
White lacy patches (including on tongue and gums)			If present, observation must be reported to a physician for oral lichen planus (T cell mediated inflammation of unknown origin, not infectious) check
White patches (including tongue)			If present, observation must be reported to a physician for candidiasis check
Red/swelling/itching			If present, observation must be reported to a physician for allergic reaction check
Red/swelling			If present, observation must be reported to a physician for viral, bacterial, fungal infection check
Redness/ulceration			If present, observation must be reported to a physician for vitamin deficiency, esp. B & C, check
Overall score

Reminder: Accumulated score of zero requires no further action. The user is encouraged to discuss with a healthcare provider any line items scored as 1 and proceed with remedial actions as appropriate. Save or print the table. All forms will reset to blank state once the user exits the website.

"Prevention is better than cure" Desiderius Erasmus

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Pharynx

Physical examination (Physician assessment)			Self-scoring is possible with some items, but examinations of the mouth, pharynx and neck are best accomplished by healthcare professionals.
	Score	Normal expectations	Recommended action steps
*Pharynx* [For each of the condition shown below score 1 if present, otherwise score 0.]		Smooth pink surface and no discomfort
Redness, swelling, sore throat, difficulty swallowing and fever			If present, observation must be evaluated by a physician for pharyngitis/tonsilitis, viral or bacterial
Redness, swelling, swelling with history of heartburn and regurgitation			If present, observation must be evaluated by a physician for Gastroesophageal acid reflux
Soreness, lump, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, and ear pain			If present, observation must be evaluated by a physician for pharyngeal cancer
Severe sore throat, fever, difficulty swallowing and breathing			If present, observation must be evaluated by a physician for epiglottitis
Soft palate lesions [Score 1 if the condition is present, otherwise score 0]		Symmetrical mobility and pink coloration upon examination with light and patient saying "Aaah". Smooth appearance with no lesions	Asymmetrical mobility, discoloration, and the presence of lesions should be reported to a physician
*Tonsil’s enlargement and/or inflammation* [Score 1 if the condition is present, otherwise score 0]		Rough, lobular, and coral to light pink tissue of varying amounts between the anterior and posterior pharyngeal pillars	Enlarged, asymmetrical, inflamed tonsils could result from nasal obstruction, infection, and cancer. Tonsils with crypts could trap food residues and cause halitosis
When was the last time you had a check-up by a dentist? [Score 1 if more than a year, otherwise 0.]		Minimally once a year
Overall score

"Prevention is better than cure" Desiderius Erasmus

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Neck

Physical examination (Physician assessment)			Self-scoring is possible with some items, but examinations of the mouth, pharynx and neck are best accomplished by healthcare professionals.
	Score	Normal expectations	Recommended action steps
Neck
Impairment of movement [For each test below, score 1 if the result deviates from norm, otherwise score 0]
Forward flexion		80-90 deg	Deviation from norm, especially experiencing pain during flexion requires the attention of a physician
Lateral flexion		20-45 deg	Deviation from norm, especially experiencing pain during flexion requires the attention of a physician
Backward extension		70 deg	Deviation from norm, especially experiencing pain during extension requires the attention of a physician
Swollen lymph nodes [For each set of lymph nodes below, score 1 if visible or obvious to palpation, otherwise score 0.]		Not visible, not obvious during palpation	Enlarged lymph nodes requires attention of an attending physician
Submandibular
Lateral
Clavicle
*Thyroid enlargement* [If visible and palpable score 1, otherwise score 0]		Symmetrical bilobed inferior to larynx and superior to clavicle, not visible and most often not palpable	Enlargement and goiter require attention of attending physician
Overall score

"Prevention is better than cure" Desiderius Erasmus

Access Live Excel Spreadsheet Here

Preventive medicine plays a crucial role in enhancing public health by focusing on proactive measures to avoid illness. By promoting healthy lifestyles, vaccinations, and early screenings, it significantly reduces the burden on healthcare systems and improves overall quality of life. It empowers individuals to take charge of their well-being and fosters a healthier, more sustainable society.

a health checklist

Physical (Mouth, Pharynx & Neck)