By how much is a rectal temperature typically higher than an oral temperature?

A rectal temperature is typically about one degree higher than an oral temperature. This difference is attributed to the way body temperature is measured and the location of the measurement. The rectum provides a more consistent core body temperature due to its proximity to the body's internal heat-producing processes.

In contrast, oral temperatures can be affected by various factors such as recent food or drink consumption and breathing patterns, which may lead to variability in readings. Therefore, understanding this difference is important for accurately assessing a person's temperature and determining if they have a fever or are within a normal range.