Is there a gag reflex spray to manage gagging?

May 08, 2022

Everyone has a gag reflex and it is a healthy and normal response. But people experience the compulsion in varying degrees of intensity. A more sensitive or exaggerated gag reflex is involuntary and difficult to stop. This means it can make dental treatments problematic or even impossible for many patients. Fortunately, there are a variety of strategies and products, like gag reflex spray, dentists can use to help minimize and manage gagging.

What causes gagging?

The gag reflex, or pharyngeal reflex, is a protective mechanism the body employs to prevent foreign objects from entering the throat and airway. In other words, gagging is the opposite of swallowing. The reflex is controlled by the muscles and nerves, making it a neuromuscular action. There are two main causes of gagging: physical stimuli, mental stimuli, or often a combination of the two occurring simultaneously.

Who are the most likely gaggers?

Small children tend to be the most impacted. In adolescents, the track from the throat to the stomach is short and fairly straight. And it seems just about anything can make them gag or cause them to vomit. As children grow and develop, the esophagus lengthens. It also develops a bit of a right-angle bend. These biological changes help reduce the need for gagging. But gagging can still be an issue for many adults. Pregnant women often have a stronger gag reflex as well as overweight people who are unable to breathe easily through their nose. People with severe allergies who are dealing with drainage can also become more hyperactive gaggers.

Are there ways to control a strong gag reflex?

It is not advisable to try and stop gagging altogether. Such a thing would take years of mental and physical retraining. But there are several tips and tricks a dentist can use to help patients with a hyperactive gag reflex. Sometimes a dental professional might ask the patient to hum while taking impressions or stick salt on their tongue during radiographs. But one of the most effective ways to manage gagging is with gag reflex spray or numbing throat spray.

These work much like a topical anesthetic. When applied to the soft palate the throat spray can block the nerve endings to help numb the area. This will also help suppress the reflex temporarily so the dentist can get in and get the work done. Many deep throat sprays work with the inclusion of benzocaine or lidocaine—both are common topical anesthetics. And these products work right away, so there is no waiting around for the anesthetic to activate.

If a patient has a sensitive or strong pharyngeal reflex it is important to inform the dentist of the condition. These patients will likely want to consider gag reflex spray during their dental treatments to help them remain comfortable and in control. They might also want to consider other options such as relaxation techniques or gradually desensitizing their pharyngeal reflex as a way to overcome the compulsion. 

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