How to stop gagging whilst tooth brushing

50Twuncle

I have an extremely strong gag reflex - even putting a dry toothbrush anywhere near my mouth, makes me feel like vomitting - and toothpaste makes things worse !!
The dentist is unable to put film cartridges into my mouth - to take xrays
I don't know whether anyone else has a similar problem - what do you do to get round the problem ?

Toothsmith

It's not an uncommon problem - and you can do something about it, but it does take a bit of effort & practise. I tell this to my patients who have the problem, but I don't think any have ever bothered to do it! (Probably because it's only a problem when they come to a dentist!!!)

The reflex is just like any other reflex. It can be trained & conditioned.

Not being able to use a toothbrush effectively WILL cause you dental problems - especially if the dentist/hygienist struggles to get them clean for you too! Then if gum disease sets in - Dentures become a real possibility - and how would you cope with them?

So - trying to help yourself would be of huge benefit to you.

The way to do it is just to keep triggering the reflex.

Usually, you will trigger the gag - then pull back, and try to avoid it in future.

The way to de-sensitize it would be to move your toothbrush back to the area where it happens, feel yourself on the verge of gagging, and just holding it there whilst you count to 3.

The more you do this, the more you will find yourself gaining control. You will be able to do it and count slower. Then you will be able to get to 5, then 10 and so on. Then, you will find you can put the brush a bit further back before the trigger is found, and so move backwards, and hold it longer, and gradually progress things.

It is all in the mind, and all you have to do is train yourself to overcome it. After all - what is eating?? that is having something in your mouth, and moving it around - so why is that different to a toothbrush? It's just how you think about it, and the fact you 'know' you will gag with a toothbrush.

A few days of training yourself, and you will soon see the problem disappear.

jenniewb

I've not had this nor do I know anyone with this issue, but I'd suggest something like CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) which you can access through your GP or go privately if you have had any recommendations.


CBT is a short term therapy which works on getting yourself through things like phobias and behavioural based issues, but wont/rarely will work on the actual issues causing the behaviour itself so if you are aware of something causing the problem (eg a past traumatic experience or something similar) it may be worth looking at getting help for that first- only you can really know so if you have strong feelings for/against trying one thing first, go with that.

tealady

Hi
My dentist suggested trying a childs toothbrush.
Also agree with the count to 3, had to have xrays recently and that helped (plus nose breathing IYSWIM).
HTH

brook2jack

Oranurse produce an unflavoured toothpaste which doesn't foam which can help if the strong flavour of toothpaste and texture makes you more likely to gag. http://www.oranurse.co.uk

The important thing to remember is that gagging is not a physical problem otherwise you wouldn't be able to eat or drink!

Some people find gagging worse in the morning because of low blood sugar, so try brushing after breakfast.

Other than that it's desensitising as toothsmith said. For people with very sensitive palates I've given them balls of wax in increasingly larger sizes and ask them to roll them around their mouth for a few seconds at a time and building up in size.

For taking x rays, breathing through your mouth and rolling your feet in an anti-clockwise fashion at the same time helps , as does a small pinch of salt on the toungue . All of this gives your brain something else to think about.

dollywops

I used to have the same issue. I use an electric toothbrush and use small round heads. When I go away, I take a child's toothbrush.

I used to find breathing through my nose helped.

I sympathise about the x-ray issue too.

Ilona

I don't have the problem but hate a full size adult toothbrush in my mouth. I have been using children's toothbrushes for years. It's a money saving tip because they are cheaper to buy.
Ilona

Bath_cube

I never has a problem with gagging until about eight years ago. I do it when I brush my bottom teeth at the back of my mouth. I totally get you on the x rays at the dentist but I never had a problem with them until I started 8 years ago. I now go to a dentist who understands my choking fear and they use a ring shaped xray holder instead of just putting a film straight into my mouth. I feel more in control with the ring as I can remove it myself as soon as the xray has been taken and hand it to the dentist. I think emotional upset caused the gag to come on as it seemed to start right after a family member died and I got spasmodic dysphonia at the same time too.

Livelongandprosper

I suffer as well and as Toothsmith has said, it's caused me no ends of problems with my teeth because of my inability to clean them properly

I manage the best with an electric toothbrush. The tiny round head helps and the smallest amount of toothpaste, and also as soon as foam starts, to spit it out and start fresh. As Toothsmith says, you can learn to control the reflex and mostly I have, I just have two areas which still set me off. X-rays I have to have the ring thing as well and really have to concentrate on deep breathing

I'm a dentists worse nightmare in the chair . What really helps is I have a fantastic dentist who takes his time with me. I've often been sat in the chair for 30 mins for a five minute job. He usually instructs reception to book me a double appointment or the one before lunch so he can take his time. I'm very grateful that I found him and he's willing to treat me