Which item is typically used to reflect the oral cavity during examination?

• A. Mirror
• B. Tweezers
• C. Alvogel
• D. Mouthwash

Answer: (A)

A mouth mirror is used to reflect the oral cavity during examination. It provides indirect vision, letting you see areas that can’t be viewed directly, such as the back teeth and hidden surfaces. It also lets you retract soft tissues like the lips, cheeks, and tongue, which opens up the area for a clearer view and protects tissues while you inspect. By angling the mirror and directing light onto the surfaces, you improve illumination and visibility of teeth, gums, and mucosa—essential for a thorough oral exam. The other items serve different roles: tweezers grasp or transfer objects, Alvogyl (Alvogyl) is a dressing for extraction sites, and mouthwash is used for rinsing rather than examination.