Which method is used to measure oral temperature?

Measuring oral temperature is most appropriately conducted by placing the thermometer under the tongue. This method is widely accepted because the sublingual area, or the area under the tongue, provides a good representation of core body temperature. When using this technique, it is important for the patient to close their mouth around the thermometer to ensure an accurate reading.

Other methods, such as rectal measurement, are typically used for more accurate core temperature readings but are not classified as oral methods. Underarm or axillary measurements tend to reflect lower temperatures and may not accurately represent the body’s core temperature like an oral measurement does. Tympanic measurement, which involves the ear, is another alternative but is not classified as an oral method, emphasizing that placement and the part of the body where the temperature is taken are crucial to understand.