Combating the Hypersensitive Gag Reflex in Patients Undergoing Dental Treatment – A Review

Abstract

Gag reflex is a complex physiologic reflex which can lead to a compromised dental treatment and can prove a barrier for optimal patient care and management. This gag reflex is protective in nature, but can present a bewildering, annoying and frustrating problem during various dental procedures. The aim of this article is to review normal gag reflex, neurophysiology of gag reflex, factors associated with etiology of gagging and role of different methods to manage gagging during routine dental procedures.