Mouth and oral pain

A MinuteClinic provider can discuss symptoms and health history. They can perform an examination and develop a treatment plan. They can also prescribe medication and refer to a dentist, if needed.

1. You may have to answer a few questions about symptoms to help us prepare for your visit prior to scheduling your appointment.

2. Check-in varies depending on how you scheduled your appointment:

   If you made your appointment online:
   Check in using the email or text message we sent to confirm your appointment. If you prefer to check in using the electronic kiosk, make sure you have your confirmation code.

   If you made your appointment in the clinic:
   Sign in at the electronic kiosk.

   If you made a MinuteClinic Virtual Care^® appointment:
   To join your virtual visit, use the link in the email or text message we sent you to confirm your appointment. Please join 15 minutes before your scheduled visit time. You will need your date of birth and ZIP code to join the visit.

3. When it's time for your appointment, a provider will call your name.
4. Your provider will conduct a thorough examination based on your reason for visit, presenting symptoms and health history. Charges will be based on examination and services provided during the visit.
5. At the end of your visit, you are provided with a visit summary, receipt and educational material about your diagnosis. At your request, we can send your primary care provider information about your visit.

Any number of things can cause the mouth to hurt. Sometimes the problem is inside the mouth; sometimes the pain comes from another body part, and it just feels like it’s in the mouth. Examples of things that can cause oral discomfort include the following:*

• Arthritis of the jaw
• Cancer
• Cavities
• Cleft lip or palate
• Infections 
• Nerve injury in the face or neck
• Periodontal (gum) disease
• Temporomandibular joint disorders (e.g., TMJ or TMD)

Some people are more prone to mouth problems than others. Certain medical conditions and lifestyle habits can put someone at a higher risk of oral problems. Examples of things that increase your risk of mouth problems include the following:*

• Diabetes
• High sugar intake (such as eating lots of candy)
• Not brushing your teeth
• Pregnancy
• Tobacco use
• Unhealthy diet

Diet and tobacco use are the biggest risk factors for oral problems. Cutting back on sugar and reducing or ending tobacco use can drastically decrease mouth problems and improve overall health.

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. For example, antifungals treat thrush while dental work might be needed for tooth issues. A MinuteClinic® provider can offer treatments that include antibiotic, antifungal and antiviral medications as well as suggest over-the-counter medicines and home remedies. They can also refer to a dentist, if needed, and treat any underlying issues, such as gastrointestinal problems. 

Left untreated, some mouth conditions can become serious.

A MinuteClinic provider can discuss symptoms and health history. They can perform an examination and develop a treatment plan. They can also prescribe medication and refer to a dentist, if needed.