Various implementations of a bite block allow a user safer access to an animal's teeth by holding the animal's jaw open and allowing the user to stabilize the bite block and the animal's jaw simultaneously with one hand. For example, the bite block may include a thumb receiving portion and a bite receiving portion. The thumb receiving portion defines a hole that is configured for receiving a thumb of a user. The bite receiving portion includes an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface defines an upper trough configured for receiving one or more maxillary teeth of an animal, and the lower surface defines a lower trough configured for receiving one or more mandibular teeth of the animal.