I have a horrible gag reflex when the dentist tries to work on my mouth. I threw up last time. Is there any solution to this?
Kathy
Dear Kathy,
There are many patients who deal with this. One of the keys is the dentist. You want one who’s willing to work with you and not just press more to get it over with quicker. However, many patients have found that just by using nitrous oxide, it reduces the gag reflex significantly.
Ask your dentist if you can try using nitrous oxide at your next appointment and see if it makes a difference.
How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?
It’s sometimes called laughing gas. Your dentist will just put a nose piece on your face, similar to the picture above. It will give you a gas mixture which completely relaxes you and dulls your sensitivity to pain.
You’ll feel light and relaxed. The dentist will be able to do the procedure with you relaxed. You shouldn’t have any problems gagging. You may find it completely changes your life.
An Unexpected Benefit of Dental Sedation
Patients have seen such incredible improvements in their oral health from using dental sedation that they’ve been able to finally think about improving the beauty of their smile. Once your teeth are healthy and clean, you can get your teeth whitened, or even get a complete smile makeover.
If you find the nitrous works for your gag reflex, talk to your dentist about your long-term goals for your smile. He can help you plan things out in a way that is logical.
This blog is brought to you by Hoffman Estates Dentist Dr. William Becker.