When treating the floor of the mouth, a bite block may be used to:

When treating the floor of the mouth, the use of a bite block serves a significant purpose in optimizing the treatment field. By moving the palate away from the treatment area, the bite block creates a more favorable geometry for radiation delivery. This is important because the palate can obstruct the radiation beam if it's too close to the area being treated, potentially leading to inadequate dose distribution to the targeted tissues and increased exposure to surrounding structures that are not meant to receive radiation.

In addition to improving the treatment geometry, positioning the palate away can also help minimize the risk of mucosal damage and other adverse effects that could arise from radiation exposure to this sensitive area. Effective use of a bite block is essential for ensuring that the treatment is effective while also preserving healthy tissues.

This understanding is crucial because it emphasizes not only the mechanics of positioning but also the therapeutic goal of radiation therapy, which is to target malignant tissues while sparing normal, healthy structures whenever possible.