Having a strong gag reflux is an unpleasant experience that is hard to cope with as well as it is rather uncomfortable especially when you are trying to brush your teeth or visiting the dentist. It can feel out of your control, whether it’s triggered by touch, smell, or simply thinking about specific things. But don’t worry, there are simple solutions to manage or reduce it. Read on to find out easy and fast ways how you can put an end to gagging and be comfortable with it!
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What is a Gag Reflex?
A gag reflex occurs at the back of your mouth when your body attempts to defend itself against the intake of something strange. It is normal; however, it can get quite on the harmful side if it is highly sensitive.
You may find yourself with a sensitive gag reflex when visiting the dentist or doctor just for a normal checkup or when trying to consume some medication. There are various techniques you might adopt to keep your gag reflex from hindering your overall good health.
How to Stop Gag Reflex?
If it impacts your life or health, you might be interested in learning ways to suppress your gag reflex.
Some of these things might take time and experimentation to determine which one works for you. If the gag reflex is an issue when going to the dentist or for other medical purposes, discuss with your dentist or doctor some possible treatments.
Here are some strategies that you may try to stop gagging:
1. Medications:
There are medications, both topical (applied to the skin) and oral, that might help manage your gag reflex. For example, local anesthetics can be applied to areas that cause gagging, or other medications may help control your nervous system to prevent nausea and vomiting.
2. Alternative Therapies:
Acupuncture is the use of needles on specific points of your body and can help balance your body and decrease the gag reflex. Acupressure, a technique similar to acupuncture but without needles, may also be helpful.
3. Sedation Options:
For procedures involving the mouth or teeth that cause gagging, laughing gas or anesthesia may be administered to help control your reflex.
4. Procedure Modifications or Appliances:
Your dentist or physician may modify their procedures or provide you with prosthetics, such as dentures customized to your mouth, to make the process more comfortable if you have a sensitive gag reflex.
5. Swallowing Tips:
Swallowing can be gagged if such an action occurs; you will try different ways to relieve this. Some ways include sipping from a narrow-necked bottle or taking pills and swallowing with the chin pressed down.
6. Behavioural Techniques:
Treatments of the gag reflex sometimes consist of psychological methods or approaches affecting your behavior or mental condition. You can try:
- You may try relaxation exercises to distract yourself
- CBT
- Hypnosis
- Gradual desensitization
Symptoms of Gag Reflex
The medulla is an important part of transmitting signals between the spinal cord and the upper parts of the brain and controls automatic functions like breathing and heartbeat. Due to this, when a person gags, they may experience other symptoms such as:
- Watery eyes
- Fainting
- Increased heart rate
- Drooling
- Sweating
- Panic attack
Types of Gag Reflex
| Cause | Type | Description |
| Physical Triggers | Somatogenic | Physical triggers like touch, sight, sound, or smell that can cause gagging. These triggers often work together, leading to a gag reflex. |
| Psychological Triggers | Psychogenic | Mental triggers, like thinking about certain stimuli, can cause gagging even without physical touch. This is connected to the cerebral cortex. |
Sensitive Areas That Can Trigger Gagging
| Sensitive Area | Description |
| Base of the Tongue | The area at the back of your tongue is highly sensitive and can trigger gagging when touched. |
| Uvula | The small structure hanging at the back of your throat is a common trigger for gagging when touched. |
| Fauces | The opening at the back of your throat where the mouth meets the throat; stimulation here often causes gagging. |
| Palate | The roof of your mouth, especially the soft palate, can cause gagging when stimulated. |
| Back of the Pharyngeal Wall | The back wall of your throat can trigger gagging when touched, often during medical or dental procedures. |
Conclusion
Gagging can be physically as well as psychologically caused. Physical causes include touch, sight, sound, or smell; most of the time they happen together. The regions inside the mouth, including the bottom part of the tongue, uvula, and palate, are the most sensitive and, upon stimulation, send impulses to the brain that result in gagging. Mental stimuli may also cause this action. Understanding these factors can help you manage and control the gag reflex, especially during situations like dental visits. Knowing these triggers can let you minimize discomfort and improve your experience altogether.
Source:- https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-get-rid-of-gag-reflex
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How to get rid of your gag reflex quickly?
The way out of such a situation is to inhale deeply and exhale slowly or do something that can distract your attention. In some cases, acupressure or other relaxation techniques can also give quick relief.
2. What is a gag reflex hack?
A gag reflex hack could be as basic as pushing your thumb in your palm or taking water from a narrow-neck bottle. These methods can help reduce gag reflex during triggers.
3. Why do I have a strong gag reflex?
A strong gag reflex is due to sensitive area, throat sensitivity, and anxiety or previous choking incidents.
4. Can stress cause a gag reflex?
It is important to note that stress or anxiety can cause your throat to constrict as well as gag reflex to occur.
5. Can medication help with a sensitive gag reflex?
Some medications, like sedatives or numbing agents, can help control a sensitive gag reflex. But it’s always good to consult a doctor first.
6. What measures can be taken to prevent gaging when on a dental visit?
There are some things you can do yourself such as try to relax, try to think about something like breathing or if all else fails you could try to speak with your dentist about ways to make the visit easier.
