Mouth Problems, Noninjury
When To See a Doctor
You have answered Yes to:
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 have a fever 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.
| 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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