The Oral Assessment Guide Discussion Paper

The Oral Assessment Guide (OAG) is a tool used to evaluate and document oral health status in patients who may have difficulty communicating their symptoms. It is a standardized method of assessing oral health and can be used to evaluate various oral conditions, including difficulty swallowing or talking. Based on the symptoms reported by the patient (thick saliva, difficulty talking, and inability to swallow), the following OAG oral symptom ratings would apply: 1. Saliva: Thick, ropey saliva would be rated as a 3 on the OAG scale. This rating indicates that the saliva is very thick and may be difficult to manage, leading to potential oral health issues. 2. Speech: Difficulty speaking would be rated as a 3 on the OAG scale. This rating indicates that the patient is experiencing significant difficulty in communicating due to their oral health issues. 3. Swallowing: Inability to swallow would be rated as a 4 on the OAG scale. This rating indicates that the patient is unable to swallow, which is a serious condition that requires immediate attention.

Based on these ratings, it is clear that the patient is experiencing significant oral health issues that require immediate attention. Thick, ropey saliva can be a sign of dehydration or a more serious medical condition, such as an infection or cancer. Difficulty speaking and swallowing can also be symptoms of various medical conditions and may require further evaluation and treatment.

In conclusion, the patient’s reported symptoms would result in oral symptom ratings of 3 for saliva and speech, and 4 for swallowing, according to the Oral Assessment Guide. These ratings indicate a serious oral health issue that requires immediate attention and further evaluation to determine the underlying cause. The Oral Assessment Guide Discussion Paper