Ace HOSA Dental Terms Quiz 2026 – Drill Your Way to Dentistry Success!

The primary role of a mouth mirror is to retract the tongue during examination. This function is critical as it allows dental professionals to gain better visibility of the oral cavity, including the teeth, gums, and other structures. By repositioning the tongue, the mouth mirror helps in observing areas that might otherwise be obstructed, facilitating thorough examinations and treatments. This is particularly important in identifying issues such as cavities, gum disease, or other oral health concerns.

The other options do not accurately reflect the purpose of a mouth mirror. While enhancing tooth whitening, measuring the length of the tongue, and brushing the tongue are activities that may involve other tools or instruments, they are not within the intended use of a mouth mirror in dental practice.