How to Get Rid of Gag Reflex

A sensitive gag reflex can make brushing your teeth, dental visits, or medical procedures uncomfortable. If you've searched how to get rid of a gag reflex, you're not alone. Here are seven practical tips to help reduce it.

What is the Gag Reflex?

The gag reflex is a mechanism that protects us from choking or swallowing unwanted substances. The muscles at the back of your mouth contract to stop a foreign object from entering your throat. The pharynx shrinks, and the larynx goes up, ejecting the unwanted item.

Unfortunately, sometimes the “unwanted” item that triggers the gag reflex is a laryngoscope or other dental tool. People with overly sensitive gag reflexes can have difficulty sitting through dental exams and teeth cleanings, which can impact their oral health.

How to Get Rid of Gag Reflex

If your gag reflex interferes with your dental visits, here are seven steps to desensitize your reflex and make oral care or medical visits much easier.