What it means
The root in words about the cheek. Buccal means relating to the cheek: the buccal mucosa is the lining inside the cheek, and a buccal medicine is placed between the cheek and the gum, where it dissolves and is absorbed. A buccal swab collects cells from inside the cheek for a test.
For the nurse
For a buccal tablet, teach the client to let it dissolve fully, not to chew or swallow it, and not to eat or drink until it is gone.
At a glance
| Also written | bucco- |
|---|
Related terms
sublingual
Under the tongue.