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I have a terrible gag reflex. Even something as simple as having dental x-rays taken can make me gag, and I once had to stop a procedure because I couldn’t tolerate the instruments in my mouth. It’s embarrassing, and I’ve started putting off dental appointments because I dread going through it again.
I’m not particularly afraid of the dentist, but I am afraid of gagging through another appointment. Could sedation dentistry help with this? I’m seriously tired of gagging.
Gina
Dear Gina,
First, please don’t be embarrassed! A sensitive gag reflex is something dentists encounter regularly, and they certainly understand it isn’t something you’re doing intentionally. In fact, gagging is a natural protective response designed to prevent foreign objects from entering your throat.
For some people, like yourself, that reflex is particularly sensitive. Even routine dental procedures can trigger it.
The good news is that there are ways to make your dental visits more comfortable, and sedation dentistry may be one of them.
Why Do Some People Gag During Dental Appointments?
Your gag reflex can be triggered when something touches sensitive areas toward the back of your mouth, including your tongue, soft palate, or throat. Some people have a naturally heightened reflex. Others find that stress, anticipation, or previous unpleasant dental experiences make gagging worse.
This means you can have a strong gag reflex even if you aren’t especially anxious about dental treatment.
How Can Sedation Dentistry Help?
Sedation dentistry uses medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. Depending on the type of sedation used, it may also reduce the sensitivity or frequency of gagging.
Oral conscious sedation, for example, involves taking prescribed medication that helps you feel deeply relaxed while remaining responsive.
For some patients, this relaxation makes it easier to tolerate dental instruments and complete procedures that previously seemed impossible.
However, sedation doesn’t guarantee that your gag reflex will disappear completely. Your dentist will need to evaluate your situation and determine whether sedation is an appropriate option. This type of sedation will also require you to have someone drive you to and from your appointment because you will be so relaxed, you won’t be able to safely drive.
Are There Other Ways to Control Gagging?
Absolutely! Sedation isn’t always necessary. Some of these will be more appealing than others and every person is different in finding them effective. Your dentist may be able to make adjustments such as:
- Using smaller dental instruments or alternative imaging techniques when available.
- Allowing frequent breaks during treatment.
- Adjusting your position in the dental chair
- Encouraging slow, controlled breathing through your nose.
- Using topical anesthetics in appropriate situations.
Sometimes, a combination of these techniques is enough to make an appointment much more manageable. You will also find dentists who offer sedation much more compassionate.
This can help you get the dental care you need and prevent you from ending up with a dental emergency because you put things off too long.
This blog is brought to you by a gentle dentist in Baton Rouge, Dr. John Theriot.