![]() If dental every-rays have caused you to gag in the past, just the thought of them or seeing the equipment may initiate your gag reflex. Some people with more sensitive gag reflexes may gag when they see, smell, or think of something gross. Swallowing then brings the mouthpiece into contact with those sensitive areas of the mouth and throat, prompting them to gag.īut you may have also gagged without something in your mouth. If you were about to swallow a solid object, gagging prevents it from happening so you don’t choke.ĭuring a dental x-ray, people naturally swallow as the saliva builds up in their mouths around the mouthpiece. This causes the tissues in your throat to constrict and makes you gag, or feel like vomiting. When an object touches the roof of the mouth, the back of the throat or tongue, or the uvula, the gag reflex activates. It is designed to keep us safe if we swallow something that might be a choking hazard. The gag reflex is one of our body’s natural reactions. Fortunately, there are steps both you and your dentist can take to make the experience easier. Regular x-rays of your teeth are an important step in dental care, but gagging through your dental care can be a stressful issue, especially if dental anxiety triggers your gag reflex before the x-rays even begin. Your dentist inserts the bulky bite piece in the back of your mouth between your teeth and cheek, then your gag reflex kicks in as you try to swallow the saliva. Rather than putting your care off, please bring your concerns to our attention so that we know how to help you better.Mild to moderate gagging is a relatively common experience when getting dental x-rays. We’re committed to helping you get the care you need, regardless of what steps it takes. ![]() Listening to the beats can help you forget about everything else going on during your appointment. Bring your phone loaded with a favorite playlist along with a set of headphones. ![]() Before your procedure you can rinse and gargle with these for several seconds, partially numbing the soft tissues inside of your mouth.Īnother distraction that works well is listening to music. ![]() Some types of numbing agents are available in rinse form. This method doesn’t work as long, but it’s ideal for very short moments when you feel a gag coming on. If you lay back in the chair during an exam, or when we’re trying to reach that back molar, hold your foot up slightly in the air. Sometimes a good distraction is all that you need. Even though you may not feel like it, the bigger you smile, the more effective it is. Smiling uses muscles around the mouth and throat that suppress gagging and nausea. Keep a few pouches in your pocket just in case. Just a sprinkle of salt on the tip of the tongue can make things like X-rays more bearable. One of the latest crazes to hit dental offices is the use of salt for patients that gag. Although there are very good reasons why some people are more sensitive than others, there are a few things that may help you get through your next dental visit. Some people have such a severe gag reflex that even having a dentist touch part of their lips or front teeth can trigger the gagging. A sprinkle of salt on the tip of the tongue can make things like X-rays more bearable.
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