Dental hygienist on Wednesday, how do I get through without gagging? I’m so anxious

[singleandlooking]

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I hate anything dentist related so much. The last time I had the hygienist I was fine until near the end of the cleaning and I randomly gagged. I then gagged at my check up a week later! For no reason, just nerves and because I had gagged at the previous appointment. Managed to complete the appointments but I was absolutely mortified.

I’m now ridiculously scared of it happening again as it is very embarrassing! I’ve read a billion articles about how to prevent gagging and will go along armed with all the tricks - thumb squeezed in palm of hand, breathing through nose, will use numbing throat spray beforehand.

Has anyone else got any tips?

Just to tell the hygienist that you're feeling nervous, and what happened last time. They'll be used to helping people with this.

It happens, no big deal.

I have a ridiculously sensitive gag reflex even just brushing my teeth. They will experience this every day. Just tell them when you go in that its likely to happen

Let them know, it's very common.

I’m the same. They will be used to it.

The thumb trick really does help me and my gag reflex is so strong I once pulled a tube out of my mouth whilst under sedation!!
Let them know, and also ask if you can be sat up a little bit more than usual as I find the further back I am laid the worse it is.

Omg I gag all the time, you’re probably in the minority that you don’t! Relax, and try not to stress it, honestly.

I have a very sensitive gag reflex and gag in most dental appointments, often multiple times depending on what treatment etc I'm having. I'm sure it's fairly common I wouldn't worry about it, they will have seen all sorts! I've never worried about it apart from it being uncomfortable for me.

I have a gag reflux and found a tip on the internet thst works for me. I lift my right leg just off the foot rest and hold it rigid. It works for me and the dentist is very impressed!

Tell the dentist / hygienist

I used to be terrified of the dentist. Got as far as the chair but was unable to stop sobbing and so was sent home. Sigh.

It all changed for me when I found a dentist who got me to focus on breathing out rather than holding my breath. Breathing in happens automatically so long as I remember to breathe out, it's all good.

And told me that if it was too much I should raise my right hand and he would stop. For a while I focused on whether it was bad enough to stop. It never is

They Numb my gums before injecting pain killer and know I will scream if the anaesthetic wears off so use plenty.

Now, I honestly don't mind visiting the dentist. One summer I spend the whole holiday worrying about a dentist appointment. Such a waste.

I have the worst gag reflex. I always tell the dentist at the start that he needs to be very careful not to touch my tongue.
I’ve had a lot of work done recently and now he gives me an injection even if it’s not needed as it stops me from gagging too much. He also talks to me encouragingly throughout, telling me how well I’m doing which seems to help 😂

Concentrate on breathing through your nose and agree a stop signal, my dentist suggests raising a hand, then he pulls back.

Strong sedatives!

I always gag at the dentist. For me, it's opening my mouth wide that starts it and then I can't stop. I also shake uncontrollably. Thankfully me dentist is used to me now.

Thank you everyone. Good to see that it’s quite common! Still bricking it about tomorrow