What is the primary use of dental gauze?

The primary use of dental gauze is to control bleeding after a dental procedure. When patients undergo dental procedures, particularly extractions or surgeries, it is common for them to experience bleeding at the site. Dental gauze is placed over the affected area to absorb blood and help maintain pressure, promoting clot formation and aiding in the healing process. This is crucial to ensure the safety and comfort of the patient during their recovery following the procedure.

The other options relate to functions that do not align with the primary purpose of dental gauze. While gauze can assist with drying the mouth during treatment or may be used in conjunction with cleaning instruments and applying anesthesia, these roles do not represent the main function of gauze in the dental context, which is primarily focused on managing post-operative bleeding.