Child gagging during dental visits (teeth, dentist, problems, mouth)
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I've got two kids, ages 11 and 13. I'd love for them to be on a regular schedule for dental visits (and maybe ortho), but they both have trouble with gagging...leading to vomiting, even...during any dental work. It's unpleasant and embarrassing for everyone involved. Thankfully, they seem to have inherited "good teeth" so we haven't had any dental problems, but we all (even they) agree that they can't go indefinitely without preventative care.
Without going into great detail just now (unless you want me to), do you have any suggestions as to how to make this experience more palatable () for them?
What has the dentist suggested? I'm sure this isn't the first time they've had to deal with it.
You would think so...and the dentist is a pediatric dentist. The hygienist doing their cleanings also seemed to think it was weird.
The only thing the dentist suggested "for next time" was to make an early appointment and bring them in before they've had anything to eat or drink. I can see where that would minimize what might come up, but it doesn't address the problem. I was hoping someone here would have a more practical suggestion or two. Certainly my kids aren't the only ones who have ever experienced this...???
Do they gag & vomit in other situations? taking pills? eating new foods/specific foods? drinking carbonated drinks? when the doctor has them open their mouth and say "ahhh"? In stressful situations? If they overeat? ???
I would discuss this with their pediatrician. If she doesn't have any suggestions you may need to see a GI doctor, especially if they gag in other situations. It may be some type of throat or tonsil issue. Or it could be a stress issue. Or a psychological issue. Or sensitivity/texture issue. Or related to that specific dentist/hygienist. Or something completely different.
You would think so...and the dentist is a pediatric dentist. The hygienist doing their cleanings also seemed to think it was weird.
The only thing the dentist suggested "for next time" was to make an early appointment and bring them in before they've had anything to eat or drink. I can see where that would minimize what might come up, but it doesn't address the problem. I was hoping someone here would have a more practical suggestion or two. Certainly my kids aren't the only ones who have ever experienced this...???
I searched Google and found lots of articles about gag reflex and dental work. There are things that the dentist can do to help, including using a spray to numb the area that triggers the gag reflex, and allowing the patient to sit upright in the dental chair rather than reclining. Lots of other tips also.
Thank you so much, daliowa...those articles are very helpful!
You're welcome. Another thought, there are dentists that specialize in fearful patients. A dentist like that should have more patience, and know how to make the patient more comfortable.
My daughter had the same problem but y dentist was very patient and laughed aloud to make my daughter comfortable and less embarrassed. He suggested for her not to eat anything 4 hours before her appointment and this helped a lot. She still felt gagging but did not threw up after that. She has to go for regular sessions for braces and this really helped.
My daughter had the same problem but y dentist was very patient and laughed aloud to make my daughter comfortable and less embarrassed. He suggested for her not to eat anything 4 hours before her appointment and this helped a lot. She still felt gagging but did not threw up after that. She has to go for regular sessions for braces and this really helped.
Thanks for sharing this! Glad to hear that not eating ahead of time was a help. We'll definitely try that along with some of the other ideas I got from the links posted above. We're approaching needing braces here as well, so that's been on my mind.
I have the same issue; gagging, not vomiting. I just need to also swallow a lot.
Maybe taking breaks often? I don't know why I do it but I do.
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