If you’ve ever experienced gagging during a dental appointment, you are not alone. Tactile irritation is one of the most common sources of stimuli to initiate the gag reflex. Even the slightest contact of either finger or dental instrument on the hypersensitive areas can trigger a severe gag reflex. That’s why it’s crucial to find a family dentist 78215 who understands how to minimize this discomfort. If you live in the 78215 area, Great White Dental practices various techniques to help those with severe gag reflexes and other conditions that might interfere with oral healthcare.
Reasons Why Your Gag Reflex Might Be Triggered
Have you ever felt like gagging and wanted to know why? Your gag reflex is a natural safety mechanism that prevents harmful objects from entering the throat and choking you, but sometimes it can feel oversensitive. While an active gag reflex serves a purpose, chronic or excessive reactions can be uncomfortable or even disruptive, especially during dental appointments with our family dentist 78215.
- Stress & Anxiety: Even though it’s not quite understood, the American Psychological Association (APA) supports that anxiety stimulates the nervous system, and this added stress can provoke physical reactions (such as a gag reflex).
- Strong Smells: Unfamiliar odors can trigger a gagging and coughing reflex. Although this is a protective response, a severe gag reflex can be annoying for those who desperately need dental work done.
- Physical Sensations: The soft palate is connected to the vagus nerve, which can set off a gag reflex when stimulated.
- Medical Conditons: GERD, ALS, and other medical conditions can activate the gag reflex.
Our Family Dentist 78215 Manages Severe Gag Reflexes
If you are one of the many people in the San Antonio area with a severe gag reflex, visiting our family dentist 78215 can be an anxiety-inducing experience. Thankfully, non-invasive options can help make your appointment much more comfortable, including distraction and medication. With the right approach, even those with severe gag reflexes can receive the dental care they need without the added stress.
Distraction
When it comes to visiting the family dentist, some patients just can’t seem to avoid gagging during specific procedures. Luckily, there is a simple technique that can help: distraction. By distracting the patient through conversation or physical positioning, some patients are able to avoid gagging altogether. So, the next time you’re in the dental chair, don’t hesitate to ask our family dentist 78215 if distraction techniques might work for you.
Medication
Our family dentist 78215 can prescribe desensitizing medications that can help reduce the chances of gagging during your procedure. Additionally, sedation dentistry is an option that can significantly reduce anxiety and tension, making gagging less likely. At Great White Dental, we offer nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation. At your next appointment, our team can discuss these options with you to help you find the best solution for your needs.
Find A Family Dentist 78215
Your dental health should never be taken lightly, especially if you have an overactive gag reflex. Visit Great White Dental in San Antonio, TX, to meet with a family dentist 78215 who will go above and beyond to treat you with patience, understanding, and compassion.
