The gag reflex can turn dental hygiene into an unpleasant situation when it hits when you are trying to brush your back molars.There are several ideas that stand out above the rest, but Cyberspace shares many of them.Taking immediate remedies such as numbing your palate or stimulating your taste buds will bring the gagging to a halt.You can use your toothbrush to desensitize your gag reflex over time.
Step 1: You need to squeeze your thumb.
Make a fist by closing your left thumb.Place your thumb under your fingers.You don't want to cause yourself too much pain by squeezing tightly.
Step 2: Put a small amount of table salt on your tongue.
Put some salt on the tip of your finger and rub it on your tongue.Salt causes the taste buds on the front of your tongue to open and close.Another way to rinse your mouth is to put a small amount of salt in a glass of water.Don't forget to spit!
Step 3: Go to your soft palate.
The gag reflex can be triggered when an object touches the soft palate.The OTC spray Chloraseptic can be used to desensitize your soft palate.You could use a cotton swab to apply the OTC pain killer.The effects will last for about an hour.Side effects are rare with throat-numbing sprays.If you experience vomiting, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, and/or stomach cramps, you should stop using it.Caution is advised when using the benzocaine remedy.There is a chance that the cotton swab could cause a gag.Other possible side effects include fatigue, weakness, skin irritation, blue skin around the lips and fingertips, and shortness of breath.If you have an allergy to benzocaine, you should not use the remedy.Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any interactions with other OTC medications, vitamins/supplements, or herbal remedies.
Step 4: Find out where the gag starts.
You can use your toothbrush to brush your tongue.The point closest to the front of your tongue makes you gag.Don't hold your fingers in your mouth.You might vomit.
Step 5: Where your gag begins is where you should brush your tongue.
You will gag and it will be unpleasant, but it won't last long.About ten seconds is all it takes to brush that area.It's time to call it a night.In the exact same place, repeat the process over the next few nights.Each time you do it, your gag should gradually decrease.
Step 6: The brushing area needs to be increased.
It's time to move the toothbrush back to the starting point once you can touch it.Try brushing behind where your gag used to start.In the second spot, repeat the process you did in the first.
Step 7: The brush needs to be moved farther back.
Each time you make progress, do this.You have to keep moving it back until you reach the farthest point of your tongue.The toothbrush will eventually come into contact with your soft palate if it hasn't already.
Step 8: Every day, desensitize.
You should be persistent.The process takes about a month.You should be able to have a doctor take a sample from your throat.You may have to repeat the process from time to time if you don't.You can keep yourself desensitized by brushing your tongue.It will help quell the gag reflex and give you fresh breath.
Step 9: It's a good idea to practice some form of meditation.
Ask your dentist if you can wear earmuffs to drown out the sound of their equipment.This will allow you to focus on calming thoughts and not worry about what's going on near your throat.If you think you might fall asleep, you should ask for a bite block.
Step 10: It's a good thing.
It's important for relaxation to keep you breathing.It is hard to gag and hum at the same time.You can try this at the dentist's office while you get x-rays or impressions of your teeth.
Step 11: Raise one leg a bit.
This can be done while you are sitting or lying in the dentist's chair.Keep your leg raised.If your first leg gets tired, switch legs.You can use this trick to distract yourself from the work going on in your mouth.
Step 12: Listen to the music.
Ask your dentist if you can play your mp3 player.Listen to songs that make your mind wander or listen to interesting podcasts that demand your attention.You will be too focused on audio to notice what the dentist is doing.