Mouth Gags
Mouth gag props the mouth open and keeps the anesthesia endotracheal tube
away from the surgical field. Mouth props and gags hold the patient's mouth
open mechanically. The mouth prop, shown in figure 5-5, is a solid piece of
rubber, whereas the mouth gags are lock-type forceps with rubber-covered
extensions. The rubber provides protection against injury to the enamel of
the teeth. The use of mouth props and gags is by no means limited to
surgery. They are also commonly used in restorative and pediatric dentistry
when patients have difficulty keeping their mouths open during the
procedure.
