What is the average oral temperature for an adult?

The average oral temperature for an adult is widely recognized as 98.6°F. This value serves as a general benchmark for normal body temperature. While individual normal body temperatures can vary slightly due to factors such as time of day, activity level, and individual metabolic variations, 98.6°F is considered the standard reference point in clinical practice.

It's important to note that body temperature can fluctuate throughout the day and can be influenced by factors like recent exercise, consumption of hot or cold beverages, and overall health. Therefore, while average oral temperature is typically cited as 98.6°F, some sources indicate a range of 97°F to 100°F may also be within normal limits, emphasizing the importance of understanding individual variances in clinical assessments.