How to prepare for a telemedicine visit about Mouth Sores

Audience: adult

Mouth sores can be uncomfortable and may result from various causes such as infections, irritation, or underlying health conditions. A telemedicine visit can be a convenient way to discuss your symptoms with a healthcare provider, especially if you cannot easily access in-person care. During the virtual visit, your provider will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and may request to see the sores via video. This helps them suggest possible causes and recommend treatments or further tests. However, some mouth sores require in-person evaluation, especially if they are severe, persistent, or accompanied by other worrying symptoms. Preparing for your telemedicine visit by gathering information and having a clear description of your symptoms can improve the quality of care you receive. Remember, telemedicine is a helpful tool but not a replacement for emergency or urgent in-person care when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Mouth sores lasting more than two weeks without improvement – schedule an in-person evaluation.
• Severe pain or difficulty eating, drinking, or swallowing – seek prompt medical care.
• Signs of infection such as swelling, pus, fever, or difficulty breathing – seek emergency care immediately.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of mild to moderate mouth sores.
• Providing advice on symptom relief and home care.
• Determining if further in-person evaluation is needed.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe or rapidly worsening mouth sores.
• Mouth sores with signs of serious infection or systemic illness.
• Emergency situations such as difficulty breathing or swallowing.

What are mouth sores?

Mouth sores are breaks in the skin or lining inside your mouth. They can appear as ulcers, blisters, or red patches. Common causes include minor injuries, viral infections like cold sores, canker sores, allergic reactions, or irritation from dental appliances. Sometimes, mouth sores signal more serious conditions that need medical attention.

When to use telemedicine for mouth sores

Telemedicine can be useful if you have mild to moderate mouth sores without severe pain or other serious symptoms. It allows you to consult a healthcare provider from home, who can assess your symptoms, provide advice, and suggest treatments. This is especially helpful if you have difficulty traveling or live far from medical facilities.

Preparing for your telemedicine visit

Before your appointment, gather details about your symptoms, such as when the sores started, their size and location, any pain or other symptoms, and any recent injuries or illnesses. Have a list of your current medications and medical history ready. Find a quiet, well-lit space with good internet connection. If possible, prepare a device with a camera to show the sores clearly during the visit.

What to expect during the telemedicine visit

Your healthcare provider will ask questions about your symptoms and medical history. They may ask you to show the sores on camera to get a better look. Based on this information, they might recommend treatments, home care tips, or suggest an in-person visit if needed. They may also advise on when to seek urgent care.

When to seek in-person care

If your mouth sores are very painful, spreading rapidly, bleeding heavily, or lasting more than two weeks, you should see a healthcare provider in person. Also seek immediate care if you have difficulty swallowing or breathing, high fever, or signs of infection like pus or swelling. These signs may indicate a more serious problem requiring urgent attention.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit space for your telemedicine visit.
• Ensure your device has a working camera and internet connection.
• Prepare to describe your symptoms clearly, including onset, duration, and severity.
• Have a list of your current medications and medical history ready.
• If possible, have a family member or friend available to assist if needed.
• Prepare questions or concerns you want to discuss with your provider.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the treatment plan and advice provided by your healthcare provider.
• Monitor your symptoms and note any changes or worsening.
• Use recommended home remedies or medications as directed.
• Schedule an in-person visit if symptoms do not improve or if red flags appear.
• Keep a record of your symptoms and treatments for follow-up visits.
• Contact your healthcare provider if you have new or concerning symptoms.

FAQs

Can a telemedicine provider diagnose the cause of my mouth sores?

Telemedicine providers can often make an initial assessment based on your history and visual examination via video. However, some causes may require in-person tests or biopsies for a definitive diagnosis.

What treatments might be recommended during a telemedicine visit?

Your provider may suggest over-the-counter pain relievers, mouth rinses, or topical treatments. They may also advise avoiding irritants like spicy foods or tobacco. If an infection is suspected, they might recommend prescription medications.

What should I do if my mouth sores worsen after the telemedicine visit?

If your symptoms worsen, especially with increased pain, spreading sores, fever, or difficulty swallowing, seek in-person medical care promptly.

Are mouth sores contagious?

Some mouth sores, like cold sores caused by the herpes virus, can be contagious. Others, such as canker sores, are not. Your provider can give you specific advice based on your diagnosis.

Can stress cause mouth sores?

Stress is a known trigger for some types of mouth sores, such as canker sores. Managing stress may help reduce their frequency.

Sources

1. Mouth Sores — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Oral Health Conditions — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Mouth Sores and Ulcers — Mayo Clinic.
4. Aphthous Stomatitis (Canker Sores) — National Library of Medicine.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you experience severe symptoms or emergency signs, seek immediate medical attention.