Intent:
To record any oral problems present in the last three days.
Definition:
Wears a denture (removable prosthesis) — The person wears a device that may replace all or some of the teeth of the upper or lower jaw. A denture is removable by the person or a helper.
Has broken, fragmented, loose, or otherwise non-intact natural teeth — The person has natural teeth that are broken, fragmented (i.e., piece of tooth may be missing), or loose (i.e., tooth is moveable when touched).
Reports having dry mouth — The person reports having a dry mouth or difficulty in moving a food bolus in his or her mouth.
Reports difficulty chewing — The person is unable to chew food easily and without pain or difficulties, regardless of cause (e.g., the person uses ill-fitting dentures, or has a neurologically impaired chewing mechanism, temporomandibular joint pain, or a painful tooth).
Process:
Ask the person about difficulties in these areas. If possible, observe the person during a meal. Inspect the mouth for abnormalities that could contribute to chewing or swallowing problems or mouth pain.
Coding:
0. No
1. Yes