Mouth gags are specialised retraction tools crafted to facilitate oral surgeries. They can fit into the upper and lower jaw, where they help keep the oral cavity open at all times during the surgery. Azee Med Instruments specialises in manufacturing top-grade mouth gags for different surgical fields. We supplement the surgical practice all around the globe with different types of mouth gags. 

The History of Mouth Gags: Know what matters

Surgical manufacturers came up with the idea of mouth gags in the late 1500s. It so happened that the world saw a spread of Trismus. This disease is marked by jaw lock, where the mouth gets forcefully shut. Resultantly, there was a need for mouth gags to open the oral cavity. Lorenz Heister, a military surgeon in 1714, proposed the construction of mouth gags. Consequently, a tool named the Heister Gag came on the scene. 


The Heister gag remained an important part till the late 1930s. Even so, the need was sporadic during 1846 when anaesthesia was introduced. Surgeons and practitioners have relied on mouth gags since then to keep the endotracheal tube open at all times during the administration. 

Key Features of Mouth Gags

Since the formation of mouth gags, they have been modified throughout. The modification has led to different key features, precisely:


  • All Comprehensiveness: Each mouth gag was made all comprehensive, allowing the detailed exposure of every region of the oral cavity.

  • Range of Configuration: Typically, every buccal cavity has a different shape and size. Therefore, having different shapes of mouth gags at hand is important. 

  • Harmless Construction: Usually, all our mouth gags are non-invasive to keep the sensitive oral cavity safe from all harm. Furthermore, they feature a non-slipping handle to protect against any accidental harm. 


During the past years, as per the needs, there have been certain modifications. The modifications include the incorporation of a tongue depressor. However, some just feature a frame. The working sides, however, can either be single or double. 

Different Types of Mouth Gags

The following are different types of mouth gags. A brief description is given for your guidance, precisely:

Davis Gag

This type of gag is a modification of the Hartmann gag, an old type. An anesthesiologist, S. Griffith Davis, in 1910, decided to modify the medical tool for tonsillectomies. However, with time, the surgical world saw repeated modifications by Henry Boyle. Consequently, it came to be known as the Boyle-Davis Gag. 


This mouth gag features a frame-like structure attached to a handle and a tongue depressor, the blade. The depressor works on the lower jaw. While the upper jaw is manipulated by rubber-lined extensions. All in all, the tool has been modified numerous times. 

Denhardt Mouth Gag

Technicians modified O’Dwyer’s gag to make the Denhardt Mouth Gag. It has been reported that the tool came on the scene in 1887. Previously, O’Dwyer’s gag had major drawbacks. Usually, the surgeons found it difficult to fix the gag, and it ended up getting displaced. Resultantly, the surgical supply stores joined their heads to craft a mouth gag with somehow curved blades. 


Usually, the handle of this gag remains at the side of the face. Consequently, the practitioner can keep the tool in place while holding the patient’s head. Since its making, the Denhardt mouth gag has seen many changes in its structure. Denhardt–Hoefert Mouth Gag is one of its types.

Jennings Mouth Gag

A physician named John Ellis Jennings came up with an idea to craft a mouth gag on the lines of Whitehead's gag. Like other mouth gags, this type has undergone many changes. Previously, the medical tool had a tongue depressor attached to it. Now, however, the depressor has been replaced with other assisting features, such as a powerful handle. 


Jennings' Mouth Gag requires active manipulation. Usually, the surgeons use their fingers and thumbs to drive the instrument. Recently, there has been a modification. Instead of the two ratchet locks, the instrument now features a specialised locking mechanism, which keeps the instrument in place. 

Doyen-Jansen Mouth Gag With Grip Lock

Previously, the surgical world had Doyen gags. Although the design did help to keep the mouth wide open, another need arose. It so happened that the surgeons needed to stitch the tongue in place to keep the airways open. Therefore, the Doyen-Jansen Mouth Gag was crafted with a Grip Lock mechanism. This helped ensure easy handling while reducing the chances of surgical strain. Typically, the instrument is angled and curved at places. This helps with the proper alignment of the tool inside the oral cavity. Furthermore, with this instrument, practitioners can remain carefree. 

Mcivor Gag

Robert J. McIvor is reported to be the founder of McIvor Gag. Mostly, during the administration of anaesthesia, the patient loses control and their mouth clenches, resulting in bruises in the oral cavity or even chipping of teeth. This can be avoided by using McIvor Gag. Overall, this medical tool is safe to use with its non-invasive structural frame. 

FAQs

Q1: Which material is used to construct Mouth Gags?

Mostly, the manufacturers use surgical-grade German stainless steel to craft the mouth gags. These are supplemented with rubber at places to provide easy movement. While there are some gags made with plastic. These are usually used while retracting the cheek. 

Q2: How to take care of mouth gags?

It is advised to thoroughly clean the mouth gags after use, either by passing them through a steam steriliser or putting them in an autoclave. After cleaning, the technicians should put the instrument back in the surgical kit to avoid any accidental wear and tear. 

Enhance Your Surgical Excellence with Azee Med’s Specialised Mouth Gags

Considering the persistent changes and modifications, Azee Med keeps up with the trends. We make sure we offer you the best mouth gag, which goes well with the trends of modern times. Additionally, with our instruments, you can be sure of longevity and durability as all our tools are CE and FDA-approved. You can order any type of mouth gag at our facility by contacting us now!