There are a number of problems that prevent people from wanting to visit the dentist. From dental anxiety and bad experiences in the past to simply having a strong gag reflex, these types of issues can prevent people from getting the dental care they need to achieve a healthy smile. Unfortunately, a strong gag reflex can make it extremely uncomfortable and embarrassing to visit the dentist. If you suffer from a strong gag reflex and find yourself avoiding the dentist, we offer the perfect solution for you at our Mohegan Lake dental office.
What Causes a Strong Gag Reflex?
There are two different types of gagging. One is a physical stimulus or somatogenic and the other is a mental trigger or psychogenic.
If you experience somatogenic gagging, it can occur simply from touch to the palate, uvula, fauces, base of your tongue, or back of your pharyngeal wall. The nerves then signal the brains to push up or contract the muscles in the back of your throat. Unfortunately, dentists commonly touch these areas during procedures and exams.
Although gagging is normal, some people experience increased sensitivity to gagging which can make dental appointments uncomfortable. Currently, 7.5% of people report always gagging when they visit the dentist either due to sensory stimulation or physical touch.
Gagging is also more likely to occur if you:
- Have an obstructed nose,
- Have a gastrointestinal disorder
- Are a heavy smoker
- Have dentures that don’t fit correctly
- Have a different shaped soft palate
How to Prevent Gagging at the Dentist
When you visit Advanced Dentistry of Mohegan Lake and you suffer from a strong gag reflex, we can help you by administering sedation dentistry. You can choose oral sedation to help relax the muscles in the back of your throat. Sedation dentistry will also help you stay relaxed and get rid of the feeling that you need to gag while we examine and work inside your mouth. This can help you get all of your dental procedures completed in a timely manner and allow you to visit us without feeling embarrassed. You never have to skip a dentist appointment again due to your gag reflex.
Please contact our Mohegan Lake dental office today and ask about sedation dentistry for your upcoming exam. We look forward to helping you have a comfortable and relaxing dental experience.
