For some people, a hyperactive gag reflex can be a real problem at the dentist’s office (or orthodontist – like we are). Although other dental procedures can trigger gagging, it is mostly an issue when your doctor needs to take those goopy impressions of your teeth for appliances, crowns, etc.

At our office we are fortunate enough to have at our disposal an intraoral scanner that allows us to digitally capture teeth for Invisalign, study models, and lots of appliances so we don’t have to subject our patients to the inconvenience of taking impressions; however, not everyone out there has access to one of these special scanners.

Tips to Avoid Gagging

In the event that you may need an impression taken at the dentist or orthodontist and are concerned about gagging, here are a few different approaches you or your dentist can try to keep your gag reflex under control: