This is a 19th century boxwood dentist's mouth gag or sometimes known as a screw mouth opener. Dentists or surgeons would place it between a patient’s teeth to hold the mouth open during procedures.The spiral/screw shape allowed them to gradually open the patient’s mouth by twisting the handle — very slowly and carefully.It was especially important before modern anesthesia, or when a patient couldn’t voluntarily keep their mouth open (for example, in certain surgeries or treatments).
It measures 12cm l.