Information on the Mouth and Gums

Oral and Gum Care in Physical Therapy

Wooden tongue depressors are a staple of every physical therapy practice. They allow for the sterile examination of the oral cavity and throat without direct skin contact. In manual therapy, physical therapists also use wooden tongue depressors to examine the temporomandibular joints and surrounding muscles.

Lohmann & Rauscher’s disposable tongue depressors are made of untreated wood and are sanded to prevent splintering. A standard depressor measures 150 mm in length and 18 mm in width. For patients with a strong gag reflex, you should insert the depressor only as far as the middle of the tongue. The pack size of 100 pieces corresponds to the typical monthly consumption of a single-doctor practice.

Store the spatulas in a dry place, protected from dust. After contact with patients, they should be disposed of as regular medical waste, not as hazardous waste.