What is the normal oral temperature?

Apr 16, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I am a 30-year-old male. Recently, I have felt my body temperature rising. When measuring my oral temperature with a thermometer, I noticed the reading was higher than normal. I am unsure what the normal range for oral temperature is and would like to understand the standard in this regard.

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 range is considered the standard body temperature for a healthy individual and reflects normal physiological function. 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, the measurement results may be inaccurate. Additionally, body temperature may vary slightly at different times of the day, typically being lower in the early morning and slightly higher in the afternoon and evening. Therefore, occasional readings that are slightly higher or lower than the normal range do not necessarily indicate an abnormality.

If repeated measurements show that oral temperature consistently exceeds 37.2°C or falls below 36.3°C, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly to determine the cause. In daily life, maintaining a regular sleep schedule and a healthy diet, avoiding excessive fatigue and stress, and measuring body temperature under calm conditions using a calibrated thermometer are recommended. If there are additional accompanying symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, or worsening discomfort, these should also be reported to a healthcare provider for a more comprehensive assessment of health status and appropriate management.