Which sign may indicate oral pain in disabled or non-verbal adults who struggle to communicate?

• A. Refusing to eat
• B. Sleeping through meals
• C. Pediatric curiosity
• D. Fidgeting with clothing

Answer: (A)

In people who are disabled or non-verbal, pain often shows up as changes in function or behavior rather than a verbal report. Oral pain, in particular, can make chewing or swallowing uncomfortable, so a notable shift in eating habits is a strong signal. When someone who normally eats regularly suddenly refuses to eat, it can indicate mouth or throat pain, dental issues, mouth ulcers, or infection, and this is especially important to recognize because the person may not be able to tell you what hurts.

The other options are less specific to oral pain. Sleeping through meals might reflect fatigue, sleep disorders, or metabolic issues rather than pain in the mouth. Pediatric curiosity is unrelated to adult pain signaling and isn’t a reliable indicator for adults. Fidgeting with clothing can signal general discomfort or agitation, but it doesn’t point toward oral pain as clearly as a change in eating behavior does.