An Oral Temperature Is An Appropriate Site For

When you need to check someone's temperature, you've got several options: under the arm (axillary), in the ear (tympanic), rectally, on the forehead (temporal), or orally. Each has its pros and cons, but taking an oral temperature—that is, using the mouth—is a common and convenient method for many situations. But, is an oral temperature always the best choice? Let's dive into when an oral temperature is appropriate, how to do it right, and what might make you choose another method instead.

Understanding Oral Temperature Measurement

An oral temperature involves placing a thermometer under the tongue to measure body heat. The mouth's blood vessels allow for a fairly accurate reading, making it a reliable method when done correctly. Before we get into when it's appropriate, let's briefly discuss the normal range and the tools you'll need.

The average normal oral temperature is around 98.6°F (37°C), but it can fluctuate slightly depending on the person and time of day. A digital thermometer is usually the go-to tool, providing quick and easy-to-read results. Mercury thermometers are becoming a thing of the past due to safety concerns.

When Is an Oral Temperature Appropriate?

An oral temperature is suitable in various scenarios, but it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. Here are some situations where it's a good choice:

Adults and Older Children: If you're dealing with adults or kids who can follow instructions and hold the thermometer in their mouth without biting it, oral temperature measurement is a solid option.
Routine Check-ups: For basic temperature monitoring at home or in a clinic, an oral reading is often sufficient.
When Other Methods Are Less Suitable: Sometimes, other methods might be impractical. For example, if someone has a skin condition that makes an axillary reading unreliable, or if a tympanic thermometer isn't available, oral temperature can be a good alternative.
When Accuracy Is Needed: Oral temperatures generally offer a more accurate reading than axillary (under the arm) measurements, making them useful when you need a reliable number.

Situations Where Oral Temperature Is Not Recommended

Of course, there are times when you should avoid taking a temperature orally:

Young Children: Toddlers and babies are notorious for not holding still or keeping things in their mouths safely. An oral thermometer can be a choking hazard or simply yield an inaccurate reading because they won't keep it in place.
Unconscious or Confused Individuals: If someone is unconscious, semi-conscious, or confused, you risk them biting down on the thermometer or not being able to hold it properly.
People with Oral Injuries or Surgery: If someone has had recent oral surgery, mouth sores, or any injury to the mouth, taking a temperature orally could cause pain or further damage.
Patients with Breathing Problems: If someone is having trouble breathing, asking them to breathe through their nose while holding a thermometer in their mouth is not ideal.
After Eating or Drinking: Consuming hot or cold food and drinks can temporarily alter the temperature in the mouth, leading to an inaccurate reading. It's best to wait at least 15-30 minutes after eating or drinking to take an oral temperature.

Step-by-Step Guide to Taking an Oral Temperature

Okay, so you've decided that an oral temperature is the way to go. Here's how to do it right:

Gather Your Supplies: You'll need a clean digital thermometer and possibly a thermometer cover for hygiene.
Prepare the Thermometer: If you're using a digital thermometer, make sure it's turned on and set to the correct scale (Fahrenheit or Celsius). If you're using a disposable cover, slide it onto the thermometer.
Position the Thermometer: Place the tip of the thermometer under the tongue, towards the back of the mouth on either side.
Keep the Mouth Closed: Instruct the person to close their lips gently around the thermometer. They should breathe through their nose to avoid affecting the reading.
Wait for the Signal: Most digital thermometers will beep when they've reached a stable reading. This usually takes about 10-30 seconds.
Read and Record: Remove the thermometer and read the temperature displayed. Record the reading for future reference.
Clean Up: Dispose of the thermometer cover (if used) and clean the thermometer with soap and water or rubbing alcohol.

Understanding Factors That Affect Oral Temperature

Several factors can influence oral temperature readings, so it's essential to be aware of them to ensure accuracy:

Time of Day: Body temperature tends to be lower in the morning and higher in the evening.
Activity Level: Exercise or physical activity can raise body temperature.
Eating and Drinking: As mentioned earlier, hot or cold foods and drinks can affect oral temperature readings.
Smoking: Smoking can also temporarily elevate oral temperature.
Mouth Breathing: Breathing through the mouth can cool the oral cavity, leading to a lower temperature reading.

Comparing Oral Temperature to Other Methods

Let's quickly compare oral temperature to some other common methods:

Axillary (Under the Arm): Axillary temperatures are generally less accurate than oral readings. They're often used for young children who can't hold a thermometer in their mouth.
Tympanic (In the Ear): Tympanic thermometers are quick and convenient, but they can be affected by earwax or improper placement.
Rectal: Rectal temperatures are considered the most accurate, but they're also the most invasive and uncomfortable. They're often used for infants or when precise measurements are needed.
Temporal (Forehead): Temporal artery thermometers are non-invasive and easy to use, but their accuracy can vary depending on technique and environmental factors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure you get an accurate oral temperature reading, avoid these common mistakes:

Taking a Temperature Too Soon After Eating or Drinking: Wait at least 15-30 minutes after consuming hot or cold items.
Not Positioning the Thermometer Correctly: Make sure the thermometer is placed under the tongue, towards the back of the mouth.
Allowing the Mouth to Open: The lips should be closed around the thermometer to maintain a consistent temperature.
Using a Dirty Thermometer: Always clean the thermometer before and after each use to prevent the spread of germs.
Ignoring Other Symptoms: Don't rely solely on temperature readings. Consider other symptoms when assessing someone's condition.

Scientific Explanation Behind Oral Temperature Measurement

The accuracy of oral temperature readings relies on the close proximity of the thermometer to blood vessels in the mouth. The sublingual artery, located under the tongue, is a major blood vessel that provides a reliable indication of core body temperature. When the thermometer is placed correctly, it measures the heat radiating from this blood vessel, giving a relatively accurate representation of the body's internal temperature.

Innovations in Thermometry

The world of thermometers is always evolving. Here are a few recent innovations:

Smart Thermometers: These thermometers connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth, allowing you to track temperature trends and share data with healthcare providers.
Non-Contact Thermometers: These devices use infrared technology to measure temperature from a distance, making them ideal for screening large groups of people quickly and safely.
Wearable Thermometers: These devices continuously monitor body temperature, providing real-time data and alerts for fever spikes.

FAQ About Oral Temperatures

Is an oral temperature accurate?
- Yes, when taken correctly, oral temperatures are generally accurate and reliable.
How long should I wait after eating to take an oral temperature?
- Wait at least 15-30 minutes after eating or drinking anything hot or cold.
Can I use the same thermometer for oral and rectal temperatures?
- No, it's not recommended to use the same thermometer for both oral and rectal temperatures due to hygiene concerns.
What if the person bites down on the thermometer?
- If the thermometer is made of glass and breaks, carefully remove any pieces from the mouth and seek medical attention if necessary. Digital thermometers are less likely to break but can still be damaged.
How do I know if my thermometer is accurate?
- You can test your thermometer by comparing its readings to those of a known accurate thermometer or by having it calibrated by a professional.

Real-Life Scenarios

Let’s look at some scenarios where taking an oral temperature would be appropriate:

Scenario 1: Home Monitoring
- A 35-year-old adult feels unwell and suspects they might have a fever. They haven't eaten or drunk anything in the past 30 minutes. They are conscious, alert, and able to follow instructions. Using a digital thermometer orally is a simple and effective way to check their temperature.
Scenario 2: Doctor’s Office
- A 10-year-old child visits the pediatrician for a routine check-up. The child is comfortable and cooperative. The nurse can quickly and accurately measure the child’s temperature orally as part of the standard assessment.

And some scenarios where another method would be better:

Scenario 3: Infant Care
- A 6-month-old baby is irritable and warm to the touch. Taking an oral temperature would be difficult and unsafe. A rectal or temporal artery thermometer would be a more appropriate choice.
Scenario 4: Emergency Situation
- An unconscious adult is brought to the emergency room. It’s essential to monitor their temperature, but an oral reading is not possible due to their state of consciousness. A tympanic or rectal thermometer would be used instead.

Conclusion

Taking an oral temperature is a convenient and reliable method for many situations, especially with adults and older children who can follow instructions. However, it's not always the best choice. Factors like age, consciousness level, and the presence of oral injuries can make other methods more appropriate. By understanding the pros and cons of oral temperature measurement and following the proper techniques, you can ensure accurate readings and provide the best possible care. Remember to always consider the individual's specific needs and circumstances when deciding which method to use.