What is the primary purpose of a bite block in radiation oncology?

In radiation oncology, a bite block serves as a stabilizing device for the oral cavity during treatment. Its primary function is to secure the patient's jaw and minimize movement, which is crucial for ensuring the precise delivery of radiation to the intended target area while protecting surrounding healthy tissue. By stabilizing the oral cavity, the bite block allows for consistent positioning during treatment, thus enhancing the accuracy of radiation delivery and potentially improving treatment outcomes.

While patient comfort and enhancing the imaging process are important considerations in the overall treatment experience, they are not the primary functions of a bite block. The design of a bite block is more focused on maintaining a stable and fixed position during radiation therapy rather than directly impacting the imaging quality or comfort. Additionally, facilitating radiation spreading is not a role of the bite block; instead, its role is to confine and direct the radiation to the targeted area as accurately as possible.