bite block
A device placed between a sedated or anesthetised dental patient's teeth to maintain mouth opening and prevent inadvertent jaw closure that could injure instruments or the patient's airway.
Full Definition
A bite block (also referred to as a mouth prop or mouth gag in some regional dental traditions) is a critical access and safety tool in dental anesthesiology. In deeply sedated or general anesthesia patients, loss of muscle tone can cause uncontrolled mouth closure, endangering instrumentation and the airway. Editors should note that 'bite block', 'mouth prop', and 'mouth gag' are used variably across literature and should be standardised within a document. 'Bite block' is the predominant term in dental anesthesiology literature and is written as two words (unhyphenated) in most style guides. It must not be confused with the bite block component of an LMA or supraglottic airway device.
Usage
Usage note: Preferred form is two words, unhyphenated: 'bite block'. Standardise 'mouth prop' and 'mouth gag' to 'bite block' unless the source document requires regional usage.
In Context
- "A padded bite block was inserted on the contralateral side to maintain access during the mandibular third molar extraction." — Operative dental report
- "Staff training materials specified that the bite block must remain in situ until the patient responds to verbal commands." — Post-procedure nursing protocol