What is the Mouth Gags? Different Types

Mouth gags are specialised surgical tools curated for retraction during oral interventions. They are designed to fit between the upper and the lower jaw. This helps keep the mouth open for the surgeon to access the oral cavity. Grey Medical is a licensed surgical supply store working to supplement the surgical practice of different healthcare practitioners. They have an entire range dedicated to surgical instruments related to oral surgeries. 

In this guide, we will walk you through the different types of mouth gags available at Grey Medical. Additionally, the history, features, and applications will also be covered. 

The History of Mouth Gags

The mouth gags came into being in the late 1500s. The need for a mouth gag was felt during the spread of trismus. It is a condition where a patient’s jaws get locked due to tetanus. Feeling the need, a military surgeon, Lorenz Heister, crafted the instrument in 1714. The Heister gag was so convenient that it was readily incorporated into the surgical practice.

Even until the 1930s, about two hundred and fifty years later, the surgical tool came in handy. The need increased during 1846 when anaesthesia was popularised. In anaesthetised patients, the oral cavity should remain open to access the endotracheal tube. A mouth gag keeps the mouth firmly open. 

Modifications

Modernisation of mouth gags led to some detailed modifications. A quick overview is mentioned below: 

• A mouth gag should expose all the various regions and areas of the buccal cavity. 
• It should come in a range of different sizes and styles to suit the needs of different patients. 
• It should be made safe and harmless. This allows the surgeons to administer the anaesthesia without any complications. 
• Every mouth gag should be properly designed to prevent any accidental slippage. 

Throughout the years, the mouth gags have changed shapes and forms. Some are available with tongue depressors, while others come with just a frame. Moreover, some mouth gags have a single working side, while others have both sides working. 

Different Types of Mouth Gags

Below is an in-depth overview of different types of mouth gags: 

Davis Gag

Davis’ gag is a modified form of the Hartmann gag, an earlier form of mouth gag. It was modified for use in tonsillectomies by an anesthesiologist, S. Griffith Davis, in 1910. However, over time, Henry Boyle made numerous changes to the surgical tool. As a result, it became known as the Boyle-Davis gag.

The Boyle-Davis gag comes with a frame-like structure attached to the handle. The instrument comes with a tongue depressor, known as the blade. The lower jaw remains depressed by the paddle while the upper jaw is handled by rubber-lined extensions. Throughout the years, especially from the early to late 1900s, this instrument has seen multiple modifications. 

Denhardt Mouth Gag

This type of mouth gag was first introduced as a modification of O’Dwyer’s gag. It has been reported that Dr. Charles Denhard first designed it in 1887. Previously, O’Dwyer’s gag could not take up the force during surgery, resulting in displacement. Resultantly, the instrument was modified to make the arms of the tool slightly curved. 

The handle of the Denhardt Mouth Gag remains at the side of the face. This allows the assistant practitioner to keep the instrument in place while simultaneously holding the patient’s head. This type has been used ever since production. Further, there have been modified versions as well, such as the Denhardt–Hoefert Mouth Gag.

Jennings Mouth Gag

This gag was formally introduced by John Ellis Jennings, a healthcare practitioner and a physician, in 1914. It takes up the style and form from Whitehead’s gag. However, changes made it more efficient. Previously, there was a tongue depressor involved. The present version replaced it with other assisting features. 

The instrument requires active manoeuvring with a finger and a thumb. It uses a ratchet mechanism. It is a better version of the previous style, which had two ratchets. The instrument remains a favourite among physicians due to its functionality. 

Doyen-Jansen Mouth Gag With Grip Lock

Earlier on, there existed Doyen gags. This design kept the mouth wide open. However, it was required to stitch the tongue so that the oral cavity remained wide open and similarly, the airway. The new variation, the Doyen-Jansen Mouth Gag With Grip Lock, is supplemented with a grip lock mechanism. This ensures easy handling and minimises the surgical strain. 

Blades keep the mouth wide open without any extra effort. The ratchet mechanism is an added boon as it helps keep the mouth wide open. This minimises tissue damage during surgical manipulation. The front is angled to keep the mouth open without any added strain. This precision keeps the instrument a favourite among healthcare professionals around the globe. 

Mcivor Gag

This gag came into being as a result of the efforts of Robert J. McIvor. Usually, during general anaesthesia, a patient may unconsciously clench their mouth. This results in sudden chipping of teeth or bruises in the oral cavity. 

Mcivor’s gag was designed to prevent such a happening. The corners of the instrument are made minimally invasive to prevent any harm. The instrument is structured to keep the oral region hindrance-free. 

FAQs

Q1: What are mouth gags made of?

Mouth gags are made of high-grade surgical-grade German stainless steel. Mostly, this surgical instrument is supplemented with rubber for easy movement. However, sometimes, the mouth gags are made of plastic. Plastic mouth gags are mostly used as cheek retractors. 

Q2: How can the mouth gags be thoroughly cleaned?

Mouth gags can be thoroughly cleaned after use. You can either steam-sterilise the instrument or put it in an autoclave. After cleaning, it is advisable to store the surgical tool in a surgical kit. This prevents any scratches or corrosion. 

Final Words

Throughout the years, this category has gone through multiple modifications and variations. Grey Medical is conscious of the needs of the time. Our manufacturing house makes sure surgeons all around the globe are given top-notch surgical services. We ship worldwide. To make the shipping easier, we use trusted shipping services like FedEx and DHL. If you are looking for mouth gags, visit the website now. In case of any price dialogue, you can contact us now!