To ask you to help me sort my gag reflex!!

[HumberSweet]

I have no idea what is going on but my gag reflex is suddenly over sensitive. I’ve been having issues with this when brushing my teeth for about 5 years, brushing my teeth literally always makes me gag, but the last couple of months, I’ve even thrown up whilst trying to brush my teeth. Today I was chewing gum and literally having the gum in my mouth was enough to make me start gagging.

Has anyone else experienced this before? It’s becoming so difficult to cope with.

What about food?

Chewing gum is no loss though is it.

I am exactly the same, however mine began during pregnancy where I had hyperemis Gravidarum and vomited constantly. I can’t hold anything in my mouth for even a second (eg pen) I’m fine with eating. But brushing my teeth makes me so nauseous, I retch and often vomit.
sorry I don’t have any tips but you’re not alone

Yes. Mine is also set off badly enough to make me retch, from smells or some noises. I've also got issues with lifelong motion sickness, and that can be triggered by gaming or moving things, bending over, being active around the home... I don't know what's going on but it's made me quite upset. I haven't sought help because I'm already struggling to get other health stuff sorted.

Food is okay, for now. You’re right that gum is no loss, but I’m just concerned at why this is becoming more difficult.

@Glitterballofdreams mine started in pregnancy too. But is becoming worse and worse now.

Mine was never that bad but I trained myself to overcome it by putting something in my mouth, almost triggering it and then keeping it there for as long as possible. I built up that way and now it's no longer an issue.

Thank you @didntlikeanyofthesuggestions - I’ll try that!

I’ve always had a strong gag reflex. Recently I couldn’t let a dr examine my throat because of it.

Ive never liked chewing gum - maybe the two are related? I find it gives me acid indigestion.

So glad this got posted. For the last year or so, brushing my teeth is making me gag all the time. I don’t know why it’s suddenly happened. I gag and retch so frequently now over anything. I don’t know what’s setting it off. Acid reflux?

Re teeth brushing - most toothpastes contain foaming agents, so it’s probably bubbles hitting the back of the palate and causing the gag reflex. Ditto chewing gum.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate.. have just found that this is the cause of 30 years of gagging when brushing my teeth!.. now using a toothpaste with mint and sage in it and the problem has vanished... So relieved and grateful.. and teeth/mouth is entirely comfortable.
Can't begin to describe the relief!

I struggle with this too - my hygienist suggested not wetting to toothpaste before brushing so just putting it on the toothbrush dragging it across my teeth and then brushing them which deffo helped me so may help you too.

I have to squirt the back now my throat with ultra chloroseptic anaethetic throat spray when visiting the dentist. Also try to slow down your breathing focusing on breathing in & out as that works for me.

I also gag and wretch when brushing my teeth. I have no idea how to stop it.

I'm not this bad but do struggle too.

Last week I had what was probably a small hair at the back of my throat. I lost an entire evening to retching and gagging over it, drinking and gargling, trying to take a look in the mirror but that making me be actually sick, and the whole wretched thing beginning again. In the end I ate loads of thick yoghurt and slices of bread at 11pm despite not being hungry and that sorted it, but oh my goodness I felt so ridiculous.

Deep slow inhales through the nose while keeping everything in my throat and mouth as still as possible holds it off for me somewhat. I don't think it helps train it away though.

I don't have the gagging problem but my motion sickness is set off by all sorts, I can't bend/move in certain ways and when watching TV I have to close my eyes or look away when the camera zooms around or twists. Annoys the hell out of me.

Pls consult with your dentist, and ask for recommendations if no clarity there.

I have discussed this issue with several dentists, dental hygienists and GO's over the years and they look at me as if I am stupid/ exaggerating.. and offered no solutions ... Or mentioned SLS...