The 5 Most Important Things to Know About Oral Thermometers

Taking your temperature with an oral thermometer may appear simple, but it's not as easy. Because different parts of the mouth emit heat at different rates, inserting a thermometer into someone's mouth might not yield the precise findings you seek. Oral thermometer supplier provides the best quality medical thermometer.

You can accurately assess whether your kid or patient has a fever by learning about the concept behind the oral thermometer, common myths about it, and the right way to use it. Fortunately, the process is simple and requires only your thermometer as additional instruments or supplies.

Types of thermometers

There are various thermometers on the market with good features, although not all of them are suitable for every moment of your child's life.

·       Digital thermometers: they are the most commonly used and are indicated to take the temperature orally, rectally, and axillary. The latter is the least accurate. 

·       Ear thermometers: only give a reliable result if the ear canal is clean and not too curved.

·       Pacifier thermometers: ideal for babies, it registers the temperature while they suck it.

·       Temporal artery thermometers: measure fever from contact with the baby's forehead. 

As can be seen, there are several known methods to apply the thermometer to children and find out if they have a fever, but which is the most reliable? The answer will always depend on the age of the child. Oral thermometer manufacturer makes it easy to use a thermometer with the help of instructions.

Correct use of an oral thermometer

The appropriate procedure for taking an oral temperature is described below. The steps are shown in bold. Here is some additional information about the error that occurs.

1. Avoid eating and drinking for 15 minutes before taking the temperature. Food and drink can drastically change oral temperature and affect accuracy.

2. Do not take a deep breath through your mouth before taking your temperature. Breathing through your mouth will cool the tissue, making it less delicate.

3. Place the thermometer under the tongue in the correct area, as close to the centre as possible. The mandibular area adjacent to the lower molars is a thermal pocket. It is necessary to place the sensor or probe in this area to get the closest reading of the oral temperature.

4. Make sure there is no air in the mouth while holding the thermometer. The air in the mouth causes differences in the temperature of the oral tissue, leading to inaccurate readings.

5. Wait at least 20 seconds, even if the thermometer indicates it is ready. You can also measure twice. The temperature from the metal probe or sensor first cools the tissues in the mouth, so it takes longer for the tissues to return to body temperature.

6. Add a few tenths of a degree to the temperature. When you are at the fever threshold, it is best to have a rectal reading done to check your temperature in case this happens.

Understanding the problems that can occur when using an oral thermometer is essential to getting the most accurate readings possible from the best digital oral thermometer. Getting an average oral temperature reading may take two or more readings.