Where There Is No Dentist 2012 181
Always examine the lips, face,
and inside the mouth of someone
who wants advice about a dental
problem. Look for any swelling,
broken skin, sores, redness,
infection, or unusual color
changes. For information about the
most common problems caused
by HIV, see page 184.
Before you examine
someone, always
explain carefully
what you are going
to do.
Look carefully inside the cheeks and lips. Ask
the person to lift up her tongue so you can look
underneath it. Also, ask her to stick her tongue out.
Wrap a small piece of clean cloth around the tip of the
tongue and gently pull it forward so that you can see
the sides of the tongue, the back part of the mouth
and tongue, and as far down the throat as possible.
For more information on how to examine the mouth
and teeth, see Chapter 6, pages 73 to 83.
It is important to ask about the person’s general
health too. There may be other signs of HIV such as
fevers, night sweats, feeling very tired all the time,
weight loss, or diarrhea. Many people with HIV also
become ill with tuberculosis or cancers. If the person has
any of these problems, make sure he or she goes to see a
health worker or doctor who is experienced with HIV.
Feel along the jaw, underneath the jaw bone, and on
the upper neck to see if there are any lumps or pain.