How to Stop the Gag Reflex at the Dentist

You are not alone if you have a strong gag reflex while in the dentist's chair. It is not fun. Having X-ray films or instruments put in the back of your mouth is usually the cause of it. Read on for ways to relax and distract yourself to get past the gag reflex.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Attitude
   
   You are not alone in having a gag reflex at the dentist. It is a common thing that happens to about one in every 5 people. So, you are normal. Before you go to the dentist, focus on how fortunate you are to have great dental care. Reassure yourself that you will be O.K., and you can lessen the gag reflex with these tips. Be on time for your appointment. Smile. Breathe.

2. Connect
   
   It is helpful to the dental hygienist or other dental professional if you tell them you are concerned about the gag reflex during the procedures today. The hygienist or other dental care professional is a person who enjoys helping others. That's why she's in this field. She can reassure you that you are not the only one who feels this way. She'll appreciate knowing your concerns. She will make an effort to take the x-ray films out of your mouth as soon as possible, and will do whatever she can to help you be more comfortable.

3. Breathe
   
   Breathe through your nose. Concentrate on breathing. Often, when you are anxious, you'll find yourself holding your breath. It is better to concentrate on continuing to breathe. When instruments are in your mouth, you'll need to breathe through your nose.

4. Move Foot
   
   Distract yourself while your mouth is open. A tip from a dental hygienist is to lift your right foot up and down 5 times, then move your left foot up and down five times. Keep carefully counting and lifting while you are biting down to hold x-ray film, or until the instruments are out of your mouth. Be sure to move your feet gently, so you're not shaking your whole body, thus disrupting what the dental professional is trying to do!

5. Get Them to Talk
   
   Distract yourself. Ask the hygienist or dentist open ended questions about unrelated things in between having your mouth open. Ask about their kids, or sports, or how they like a TV show. If you get them to continue talking while you are "opening wide", it gives you something to concentrate on to distract yourself.
   
   Anther way to distract yourself is to look up at the ceiling. Many dentist offices have pictures up there for you to look at. There may be pictures of flowers or birds, or butterflies. Inside your head, list every bird you can think of, or count how many butterflies there are, or count down backwards from 100. Breathe.
   
   Scroll down for more resources, tips, and warnings.

Tips & Warnings

• If you find yourself tensing up and gagging, your dental professional will remove what's in your mouth. Collect yourself, and start over. Breathe.
• Now that you've been successful at reducing the gag reflex, you'll most likely be even better at relaxing and distracting the next time you go to the dentist.
• If you just can't seem to relax, ask your dentist about sedation dentistry. Sedation dentists can also do conscious sedation dentistry.
• If you tense up, don't give up. Start over again. You can do it!

Resources

• How to Find Discount Dentists and Discount Braces
• More Articles by This Author

[b1gguy]

on 11/20/2009 I struggle with this even today. Good stuff; it really does help to try and distract yourself.

[1960texan]

on 8/22/2009 I'm one of the 1 in 5, and breathing through the nose helps a lot! Great tips.

[marilynsmiles]

on 8/13/2009 Nice job, actually I've had patients with gag reflexes and breathing through the nose is great! Well done!

[rileysawyer]

on 8/13/2009 Now if only I could get myself to actually GO to the dentist...

[sneedc]

on 8/12/2009 Thank you, those little cardboard doozies make me GAG all the time, I'm like HURRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRY up in there, will ya? Thanks for the toe/foot tapping tip and the other distractions. 5*