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A descriptive overview of oral complaints

A descriptive overview of oral complaints

This description provides an overview of common oral complaints, which may include behavioral, physical, and emotional components — especially relevant in elderly patients with cognitive impairment.
It combines symptoms observed and reported by the patient, family members, or care staff.

We recommend using this short guide to identify typical situations.
You may copy and paste the appropriate statement into the “Description of the complaint” or “Oral health deterioration following a fall or hospitalization” section of the online form.

1. Expressed complaints – Vocalizations – Facial expressions:

  • The patient expresses “pain”, “throbbing”, or “sensitivity” to describe discomfort.

  • The patient reports a “burning sensation”, “metallic taste”, or “dry mouth” to express oral discomfort.

  • Groaning or audible complaints when touching the affected area or during meals.

  • Grimacing during chewing or swallowing.

  • Frequent touching of the face.

  • Frequent lip licking.

2. Clinical observations:

Extraoral signs:

  • Swelling of the cheek

  • Difficulty opening the mouth or limited jaw opening

  • Dry and cracked lips, especially in the corners of the mouth

  • Persistent halitosis (bad breath)

  • Fever, fatigue, or general malaise

Intraoral signs:

  • Resistance or refusal during toothbrushing

  • Fractured, loose, or tender tooth

  • Localized redness or swelling around a problematic tooth

  • Red, swollen gums that bleed during brushing

  • Spontaneous gingival bleeding without brushing

  • Difficulty wearing dentures due to pain during chewing

  • Difficulty wearing dentures due to instability while eating or speaking

  • Loss of part or all of the denture

3. Changes in eating habits:

  • The patient eats less

  • Refusal to eat, especially hard or hot foods

  • Preference for soft foods

  • Needs to drink water to swallow food

  • Weight loss

4. Social behavior and mood:

  • Social withdrawal: The patient may avoid social interaction due to pain, embarrassment from bad breath, or the appearance of their teeth.

  • Irritability and anxiety: Signs of increased agitation, often linked to discomfort.

Dr. Simon Benoliel, DMD (Paris VII, 1987), Founder of fsbd.org