Gagging at the dentist

[takingchances]

Does anyone else have this problem? Any tips?

Today I went for a check-up and had to have lots of poking around in my wisdom tooth (gag).

Then the lovely dentist took an impression and to say I freaked out! Couldn't handle it at all, I just gagged and gagged, had tears running down my face.

I would really appreciate anything that would help with this for next time...

I have this too - my only tip is to have conscious sedation for any extractions, although I'm aware this isn't for everyone!

Seriously, I know it's rubbish. Had to have the dental nurse hold my tongue down while the dentist worked on my gums last time (also a wisdom tooth problem). It was horrid.

Can you take an ipod and try concentrating on the music instead? Or ask the dentist for tips? I'm sure they're used to it and might have some suggestions for you.

Thanks Cat - Does holding your tongue down help? Honestly, I would try anything... I never used to mind going to see the dentist but now I think I'll develop a phobia (which does not bode well for good oral hygiene ha!)

I get this a lot. I have to concentrate really hard on remembering to breathe slowly through my nose (took me years to realise this was what you had to do ).

I get this. My dentist turns my head to the side and for some reason it stops the gagging.

I have a really bad gag reflex which comes into play when they put that xray thingy in your mouth.

TheOldestCat's suggestion of taking an ipod is good, also the breathing thing that JackieNo said.

I also pinch the skin between my thumb and first finger (the sort of webbed bit , iysim). It seems to help, though I have absolutely no idea why. Maybe it's an acupressure thing? Probably just a distraction thing, really.

Anyway. It helps. And try not to worry about it, if at all possible. It's very common, apparently.

Good Lord.

How many times did I use the word 'thing' n that reply?

I am off to find my dictionary.

Thanks Shodan. I know it's a common thing (see what I did there? ) but I still found it mortifying today. Will try combo of pinching skin, breathing through nose, and turning head to side.
They have music playing in the surgery which is nice so maybe I'll focus on that...Anyway got the impression done for whitening which I will try, here's to nice white teeth for Christmas!

I have such a fear of dentists and a ridiculously strong gag reflex that I had a general anaesthetic for a replacement filling. The only time I've ever felt comfortable was a lovely dentist who gave me nitrous oxide. I've tried everything else and nothing works. I am currently trying to hunt down another who can let me have G+A because the filling that I had replaced has fallen out. Prices are way higher in Belgium than they were in Bangkok

Another gagger here! Particularly when being x-rayed. No advice just wanted to let you know I share your pain

Thanks Noel and Kreecher. Gaggers United... hugs all round

Op- The dentisit I used to work for would use accupuncture on the patient before the treatment and much to my amazement, it always worked. Even on the worst aggers. He used to give me a smug 'see?' look over the patients head as I was so sceptical about the whole thing beforehand

You could ask if your dentist would do it, or if he doesn't then it's very easy to learn. All it invlves is inserting an accupuncture needle into the chin just below the lower lip. It's great for lots of things like gagging and anxiety and you don't need to take things up a notch by using medications and sedatives.

Does that work as an acupressure point as well? Like if you just pressed it with your finger (or even got your finger and thumb around your lip) would it help? Am willing to try anything and look ridiculous if necessary!

I'm not sure, takingchances, it may well do. There is no harm in trying.

I gag when I clean my teeth. I mean REALLY gag, a great noisy retch that my H can hear in the bedroom