What type of instrument is a mouth mirror classified as?

A mouth mirror is classified as a semi-critical instrument because it comes into contact with mucous membranes. Instruments in the semi-critical category are those that should be sterilized between patients to prevent cross-contamination. They can carry a higher risk of infection transmission compared to non-critical instruments, which only touch intact skin, but they do not penetrate soft tissues or bone, making proper disinfection essential but not involving the same level of procedures as critical instruments, which enter sterile tissue or the vascular system.

In clinical practice, the mouth mirror is frequently used to visualize the oral cavity, and it's important that it is properly cleaned and sterilized after each use to ensure patient safety. This classification reflects the importance of maintaining strict infection control protocols to prevent the spread of pathogens in a dental setting.