Diagnostic Tests for Mouth infections

Diagnostic Test list for Mouth infections:

The list of diagnostic tests mentioned in various sources as used in the diagnosis of Mouth infections includes:

• Physical examination
  • Examine health of mouth, gums and teeth
  • Inspect and tap each tooth for tenderness which may indicate a alveolar abscess
  • Feel cervical lymph nodes (glands) for enlargement - e.g. with lip cancers, herpes simplex labialis.
• Blood tests
  • Full blood count and ESR
  • Blood sugar to diagnose Diabetes
  • HIV serology, if indicated
  • Raised Immunoglobulin levels and presence of certain autoantibodies may suggest diagnosis of Sjogren's syndrome - e.g. Rheumatoid factor, antinuclear antibodies, antimitochondrial antibodies, Anti-Ro (SSA) antibodies.
  • Plasma ascorbic acid level if suspect scurvy
• Radiological investigations
  • X-Ray of teeth to look for dental caries or abscess
• Swab of any ulcer - for viral and bacterial culture.
• Skin or mucosal (lining of the oral cavity) biopsy - may be required to assist diagnosis.
• Skin scraping of the lip or mouth surface - if suspect Candida infection (not uncommon in people with HIV disease).

Home Diagnostic Testing

These home medical tests may be relevant to Mouth infections causes:

• Cold & Flu: Home Testing:
  • Home Fever Tests
  • Home Ear Infection Test Kits
  • Home Flu Tests
  • Home Strep A Tests