Gag reflex at the dentist's

[charliepigbotatoes]

Not a phobia as such, but I have a severe gag reflex - to such an extent that an upcoming filling/extraction will have to b done under sedation as opposed to local anaesthetic

As it looks like i might have to have it done privately, does anyone have any tips to overcome the gag reflex (dont want to pay for sedation, lol)

j

 

[Gordon]

Practice controlling the gag feeling by touching something like a toothbrush to your palate, you should be able to feel the urge to gag building but you can control it by concentrating on breathing deeply through your nose, initially you'll only be able to manage a few seconds but you can build on this if you keep working at it. Mark the brush handle into segments and try to advance a bit further every week or two.

It does work but you need to put in the practice.

 

[letsconnect]

Thanks - have added this to the gagging tips page:

How to deal with a sensitive gag reflex

 

[DarrenH]

Not a phobia as such, but I have a severe gag reflex - to such an extent that an upcoming filling/extraction will have to b done under sedation as opposed to local anaesthetic

As it looks like i might have to have it done privately, does anyone have any tips to overcome the gag reflex (dont want to pay for sedation, lol)

j

Breath through your nose, I also find rubbing my chin helps, because the sensation of my chin makes me not think think about the sensation of my throat

Also apparently having sedation really reduces the gag reflex so hopefully you will be fine .

 

[Dr. Daniel]

Hi

Does your reflex comes during local anesthesia? If not, that could be a solution: numbing the sensitive spots in your mouth.
Here are some other tips:
1) If you need to make a short action that might irritate you reflex, for example take impressions or X-ray photo, you can rinse your mouth with Listerine or something else with a strong taste (like salt water) so that the strong taste will stay in the mouth for couple of minutes and cover other sensations in mouth.
2) What can really help is not moving any muscle in the mouth especially not the tongue and not the palate muscles. If an object is just touching the muscle instead of moving aginst it, than the irritation is much lessened.
3) As Gordon stated, practicing at home is also helpful, you can also do it with a spoon instead of with a toothbrush.
4) Laughing gas has also a beneficial effect, but not in every case. It is worth trying though.
5) trustful relationship with the dentist. That's the most important thing. If the dentist knows you and where are the sensitive spots in your mouth, and feel trust and ease during the treatment, than the gag reflex improves tremendously.

all the best