Patients with Severe Gag Reflex

A gag reflex is a normal response to prevent substances from entering the airway or throat. However, some people have a more sensitive than normal gag reflex that can make dental care difficult. If dental tools in the mouth cause you to gag or react, you may be uncomfortable during dental visits. At Liberty Lake Smile Source, we offer comfortable dental care for patients with severe gag reflex at our dental center in Spokane Valley, WA.

For most people with a sensitive or severe gag reflex, anything touching the back of the tongue or mouth can cause a reaction. This can be a physical or mental condition – the body can react on its own or stress can cause a more severe reaction. There are some exercises that can help reduce a sensitive gag reflex, like concentrating on breathing or using relaxation techniques. However, there are also distractions and sedation options available, which we offer at Liberty Lake Smile Source.

Comfortable Dental Care

At Liberty Lake Smile Source, we have designed our dental office with your comfort in mind. We offer treatment rooms equipped with blankets, pillows, TVs and headphones to ensure you can relax and focus on enjoyable media during your visits. For some people with a sensitive gag reflex, just watching TV and reducing outside noise can help them relax during their dental treatments. For a more severe gag reflex reaction, we offer sedation dentistry options.

Nitrous oxide or oral conscious sedation are available at our dental center for patients with a severe gag reflex. Using sedation can eliminate the physical and mental response by relaxing the mind and body during treatment. We also offer IV sedation in extreme situations where dental treatment is needed but the patient needs heavy sedation.

Do not let a sensitive or severe gag reflex stop you from achieving a healthy, beautiful smile. If you live in the Spokane, Post Falls, ID, or Liberty Lake, WA, area, come see us at Liberty Lake Smile Source. We welcome patients with special needs like severe gag reflex at our dental center. Contact our dental practice today to schedule your first visit and make sure to let us know about your condition.