During preparation, the mouth mirror can be used to protect which area?

The mouth mirror is primarily used to protect the cheeks during dental procedures. When a dentist is preparing a tooth or performing any work in the oral cavity, the mirror can serve as a barrier between the instruments and the soft tissue of the cheeks. This minimizes the risk of injury or trauma to the oral mucosa, helping to maintain patient comfort and safety.

In the context of using the mouth mirror, while it can aid in indirect vision and reflect light to enhance visibility of adjacent structures, its primary role is to act as a physical shield for the cheeks. The other areas mentioned, such as adjacent teeth, pulp, and gingiva, may require different protective measures or techniques and are not the primary focus of the mouth mirror during preparation.