Checking the cheek bite injury: fabrication of an interim cheek guard appliance

Among the various sequelae associated with the treatment of oral carcinoma (both surgical and radiotherapy), the two conditions that can be of serious concern are reduced mouth opening and mucositis. The limited mouth opening can lead to entrapment of buccal mucosa in between teeth during the chewing cycle, which in turn can lead to further injury of the mucosa. A simple method has been described by the authors to prevent the cheek bite by fabrication of a cheek guard appliance. Favorable results were seen within a few days after insertion of the appliance.