It is difficult for me to complete dental procedures. Kim Loos, DDS Dr. Kimberly A. Loos practices general dentistry in San Jose, California. She is also a clinical instructor at University of Pacific School of Dentistry and an editor for Dentistry On-Line. A reflex is an automatic reaction to a stimulus, mediated by the spinal cord or lower brain. Some examples of reflexes common to children and adults include blinking, sneezing, coughing, yawning, and gagging.
Reflex sensitivity varies among individuals.
It is not uncommon to occasionally gag during a dental examination, throat culture or similar procedures. Breathing slowly and deeply through your nose is a simple way to prevent gagging. This method works well for most people. You might also ask your dentist to apply a small amount of topical anesthetic near the back of your mouth. Hurricaine topical anesthetic produced by Beutlich Pharmaceuticals seems to work well in this regard.