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Having a hyperactive gag reflex can make simple tasks like swallowing pills, brushing your teeth, and going to the dentist a real challenge. Also known as a laryngeal spasm, this type of throat contraction is triggered when an object touches the back of the mouth, tongue, throat, or area around the tonsils. Most dentists have ways to help patients calm their gag reflexes so that they can undergo treatment comfortably. However, some patients may need to try a variety of techniques before they find one that works for them. Try these simple tips the next time you visit your dentist. 1. Keep Your Focus Elsewhere One of the easiest things you can do to prevent gagging when visiting dentists is to direct all of your focus elsewhere. Many patients find that breathing through your nose, wiggling your toes, squeezing your fingers or hands, or lifting your legs slightly off the dental chair helps. 2. Coat the Throat with Chloroseptic Spray Chlorospetic throat sprays works to temporarily numb the throat, which helps to reduce or eliminate the gag relax for a brief period of time. Just two to three sprays directly before starting the procedure can provide relief for up to an hour. 3. Apply Salt If you are undergoing a quick treatment, you may find that a pinch of salt placed on the back of your tongue works to temporarily desensitize the area. As both the nerves that provide your sense of taste, and the nerves responsible for gagging, are found at the back of the throat, stimulating one set of nerves can diminish the effects of the other. 4. Practice Desensitizing the Palate With practice, you may be able to desensitize your tongue, throat, and soft palate in the mouth. One of the most common desensitizing techniques involves touching the tip of a toothbrush to your palate as you breathe deeply through your nose. Over time, you should be able to advance further and further to the back of the throat. 5. Hum Your Favorite Song It can be difficult to concentrate on doing two different tasks at once. When you're getting x-rays taken of your teeth, hum your favorite song as you're holding the film in your mouth. Humming takes the mind off of the procedure and focuses it on a favored tune. 6. Sit or Stand Up Some patients find that sitting up or standing up while undergoing certain procedures, such as impressions, can help decrease the gag reflex. Sitting or standing up allows patients to feel more in control of their situation, which can reduce stress and anxiety. 7. Ask About Sedation Options When no other methods work, sedation may be needed when undergoing extensive dental work. Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is a common form of sedation that is highly effective at temporarily eliminating the gag reflex. Gagging when visiting dentists can be a serious problem for many patients seeking better oral health. Fortunately, there are things you can do to suppress this common problem. For more information, contact a dentist in your area. To learn more about their options for dentists, Plymouth, MI residents should visit http://yourplymouthdentist.com/.
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