![]() A patient with even a mild gagging problem may make it more difficult to take x-rays, for instance. VanArsdall says that a patient’s strong gag reflex can pose a variety of challenges. Or perhaps they had a predisposition toward gagging that had nothing to do with the dentist or hygienist.”ĭr. A patient who didn’t previously have a gagging problem might have developed one after a bad dental experience-maybe the impression tray was overfilled and they felt like they couldn’t breathe. The study authors mention in the article that they don’t know whether the fear causes the gagging or the other way around. “I’ve read that study, and it’s interesting because it’s a chicken-and-egg problem. VanArsdall notes that the correlation between dental anxiety and gagging in the 2014 JADA study warrants further investigation. “Anatomic variation and systemic physical disorders like sinusitis can play a role, but there are also psychological factors like anxiety.”ĭr. VanArsdall says that while anatomical variability in the sizes and locations of the glossopharyngeal, vagus, and trigeminal nerves can contribute to a stronger gag reflex, not all instances of gagging have purely physiological causes. She is also a mindfulness instructor certified in Koru Mindfulness, an evidence-based mindfulness curriculum developed by psychiatrists at Duke University. Pam VanArsdall, DMD, MPH, is a dentist by trade and a former academic dean at the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry. ![]() In fact, teaching patients just a few simple mindfulness exercises could be the difference between a dreaded appointment and effective treatment. But one little-used strategy could also be the easiest to implement: mindfulness meditation. The survey also found that frequent gaggers were more likely to report higher levels of dental anxiety than nongaggers.Ĭlinicians who want to create a better experiences for gaggers and eliminate barriers to care have several options at their disposal, ranging from sedation to desensitization. 2 Moreover, 7.5% reported gagging during every or almost every appointment. According to a 2014 research paper in the Journal of the American Dental Association, a survey of 478 dental patients found that 50% had gagged at least once during a dental visit. Gagging, however, isn’t just a physiological problem. In fact, a 2004 literature review found that frequent gaggers are more likely to postpone dental care than nongaggers. But to the patient, gagging is a potential barrier to care. Before you can say “pharyngeal reflex,” the patient is sputtering and choking nearly to the point of tears.įor clinicians, a patient’s strong gag reflex means longer appointment times and more treatment challenges. It's a familiar situation: There you are working, and suddenly you see the patient’s tongue lift. ![]() If you’ve been practicing dentistry for any length of time, you’ve encountered your fair share of gaggers. I hope you find something that helps, most likely it will fade away as you get further along in your pregnancy. My guess is it is just pregnancy and possibly GERD making it worse. but not sure you would want to do that all day. Putting a little bit of salt on the tip of your tongue can help. There are home remedies that dentists get people to do with bad gag reflexes like lifting up both legs ( holding them together ) when they feel the urge. , dry mouth, not being able to breathe properly through your nose, nasal poylps. There are tons of other causes of gagging like sinusitis, chest congestion, emotional issues. People who can't gag often have vagal nerve damage. It's all mediated by the glossopharyngeal nerve and the vagus nerve. I'm sure your OBGYN has heard other women complain of this too and may be able to help with some remedy suggestions that may of helped other patients.Īn ENT might be able to help you releive that too, another name for gag reflex is a pharyngeal reflex. My sister complained about it a lot, i'll ask her what she did. I've heard plenty of pregnant women complain about an increased gag reflux. Where did i read that ? I don't remember but it makes logical sense, The possible mechanisms in babies is the reflux touching the back of the throat causing a gag, or reflux temporarily blocking the airways.Īs Chalupa said. I know a bad gag reflux is common in babies and kids with GERD, but i don't remember ever seeing any adult complain about it, although i have read it can be a GERD symptom in adults.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |