Management of gag reflex for patients undergoing dental treatment

Abstract

We found very low quality evidence from a single trial that was insufficient to conclude if there is any benefit of acupuncture in reducing gagging and allowing successful completion of dental procedures. We did not find any evidence on any other interventions for managing the gag reflex during dental treatment. More well-designed and well-reported trials evaluating different interventions are needed.

Managing Gag Reflex during Removable Partial Denture Treatment: A Review and a Clinical Report

“…A gag reflex is a physiologic, involuntary defense mechanism to protect the pharynx and throat (soft palate, pharynx and pharyngeal part of the tongue) from foreign objects . The gag reflex is stimulated and controlled by nerve endings situated in the soft palate, pharynx, and pharyngeal part of the tongue .…”

“…Exaggerated gag reflex may lead to problems during clinical stages of fabrication and during wearing of removable complete and partial prostheses . An unusually active gag reflex upsets the patient and consequently may lead to avoidance of routine dental treatment, poor oral hygiene, and tooth loss …”

“…Medical factors are nasal obstruction, postnasal drip, sinusitis, nasal polyps, and congestion of the oral, nasal, and pharyngeal mucosa. Iatrogenic and dental factors that can cause gag reflex are inadequate posterior palatal seal, restricted tongue space in dentures, and overextended borders …”

“…Many ways and techniques can be easily mastered by clinicians and may help both dentist and patient to deal with gag reflex . The pharmacological technique incorporates pharmacological agents to manage gagging, can either act peripherally or centrally, and can be local or general anesthetics, herbal remedies, anti‐nausea medicines, and sedatives …”

“…Distraction techniques include conversation, raising one of the legs, or putting table salt on tip of tongue . Table salt, for 5 seconds on the tip of the tongue, eliminates the gag reflex acting on chorda tympani branches in two‐thirds of the tongue's taste buds .…”