Dental Symptom Checker App

ADA launches Dental Symptom Checker

By Karen Fox, ADA News staff

A patient has a mildly painful blister on the tip of the tongue. What is it?

As dentists know, it could be any number of things. To provide patients with accurate information about their symptoms and help them make better-informed decisions about their oral health, the ADA has introduced the ADA Dental Symptom Checker on MouthHealthy.org. 

After entering their age and gender in the Symptom Checker, patients can identify the location of the symptom they’re having and other factors, such as pain or discharge, and read about various conditions that fit that description. The Symptom Checker is not meant to diagnose or replace the role of the dentist. In fact, many of the conditions emphasize the importance of seeing a dentist or physician.

The ADA Dental Symptom Checker was developed by the Association in conjunction with an ADA member dentist who is a faculty member at an accredited U.S. dental school. Four ADA councils vetted the Symptom Checker.

The ADA launched the award-winning MouthHealthy.org website in June 2012 to reach the 80 percent of Internet users who seek health information online. Consumers can find oral health concerns organized by life stages, A-Z topics with videos, ADA Seal of Acceptance products, and tips and activities to make oral health care fun for kids.

In developing MouthHealthy.org, a symptom checker tool was identified as the top feature requested by consumers. The ADA Dental Symptom Checker is now available as an interactive Web platform on MouthHealthy.org, as well as a downloadable app on iTunes and Google Play.

Visit MouthHealthy.org and check out the new tool to help build consumer awareness of the importance of oral health and visiting a dentist regularly.