The Concise Oral Exam

Oral Health Is Important to Overall Health

Oral health is important in its own right. But the mouth can also provide clues to many aspects of a patient’s overall health.

A comprehensive oral exam can be completed in 5 minutes or less, offering medical providers an opportunity to detect early indications of systemic diseases such as diabetes, HIV, Sjogren’s syndrome, and other conditions that can manifest in the head and neck region.

To learn more, read the JAMA Viewpoint article The Importance of Oral Health in Comprehensive Health Care by NIDCR Clinical Director Janice S. Lee, DDS, MD, MS, and NIDCR Director Martha J. Somerman, DDS, PhD.

Watch NIDCR's video overview about performing a concise and thorough oral exam.