What is the normal oral temperature?
Disease description:
I am a 25-year-old male. Recently, I have been experiencing a dry mouth, occasionally accompanied by mild fever. When measuring my oral temperature with a thermometer, I noticed some fluctuations in the readings and am unsure whether they are normal. I would like to know what the normal range is for oral temperature.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Chao
Under normal circumstances, the range of oral temperature is between 36.3°C and 37.2°C. This temperature range is the basis for the body to maintain normal physiological functions and represents the standard range under healthy conditions. Oral temperature can be influenced by various factors such as food and beverage consumption, ambient temperature, and physical activity levels. If hot or cold food has recently been consumed before measurement, the result may be inaccurate. Additionally, body temperature can vary slightly at different times of the day, typically being lower in the early morning and slightly higher in the afternoon or evening. Therefore, a single measurement may not be entirely accurate and should be interpreted in conjunction with the overall clinical context.
If repeated measurements indicate that oral temperature consistently exceeds 37.2°C or falls below 36.3°C, it is advisable to seek timely medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause. In daily life, maintaining healthy dietary habits, avoiding excessive fatigue and stress, and measuring body temperature under a calm and resting condition are recommended. It is also important to ensure the use of a calibrated thermometer. If additional symptoms such as dry mouth or fever are present, these should also be communicated to the physician to facilitate a more comprehensive assessment of health status.
