Gag Reflex Dentist
Overcoming Your Gag Reflex
There is no doubt that a large percentage of people are a bit anxious before getting into the dentist’s chair. For those patients who have strong gag reflexes, just the thought of being in the dentist’s chair is enough to trigger one.
Of course, the worst possible solution is to avoid going to the dentist at all. Delaying dental treatment because of a strong gag reflex is a common reason that many people face the risk of serious health concerns.
Whether you have a minor or severe gag reflex in St. Louis, we are here to work with you in making your dental visits more comfortable.
How Is The Gag Reflex Triggered?
The best way to reduce the effects of your gag reflex is to have an understanding as to what triggers it. There has been a long debate in the scientific community as to whether physical or psychological factors play a bigger part in producing a gag reflex.
The truth is, it is a combination of both of those things.
The gag reflex, which is otherwise known as the pharyngeal reflex, is one of the body’s many defense mechanisms. In particular, this defense mechanism is made to keep objects from getting in your throat and blocking your airway, which could in turn cause choking.
The severity of the gag reflex can differ from person to person, as there are many people who barely have gag reflexes at all. With that said, it is a fairly common physiological factor for people who have overactive gag reflexes.
As to why people have active gag reflexes in the dentist’s chair, much of it can be tributed to the added stress and anxiety of being in that environment.
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The Only Board Certified Dental Anesthesiologists in the State of Missouri, including the St. Louis Metro Area.
Lessening Your Gag Reflex
Regardless of if your gag reflex is the effect of physiological or psychological factors, there are a few things that you can do to lessen your gag reflex while you are at the dentist.
- Breathe Through Your Nose
When your mouth is propped open, it can seem that mouth breathing becomes the default. However, breathing through your mouth is one of the most common triggers of the gag reflex. We recommend turning your attention towards your nose and breathing with it rather than your mouth.
- Refrain From Swallowing Your Saliva
Let’s face it, the idea of drooling while sitting in the dentist’s chair is an idea that we could do without. However, one of the main reasons why people tend to gag while in the chair is that they attempt to swallow their saliva. Instead, saliva will be suctioned out effortlessly during your procedure.
- Distract Yourself
Sometimes we find that all patients need to keep from gagging is a good distraction. The type of distraction that a person needs is completely up to them. Some enjoy watching a movie or listening to music while others enjoy having a stress ball to squeeze. Others enjoy self-hypnosis techniques to help get them in the right frame of mind.
- Employing Sedation
Our specialty here at The Dental Anesthesia Center is sedation and sleep dentistry. For some patients who have severe gag reflexes, some form of sedation might be necessary so that you can have the best dental experience. There are different levels of sedation that we are able to administer, so make sure to speak with your dentist before your appointment to see if this type of procedure is right for you.
We’re Here To Keep You Comfortable
Here at The Dental Anesthesia Center, we want to make sure that your visit to the dentist is comfortable and painless. This is why we offer sedation dentistry for patients who have severe and sensitive gag reflex in the St. Louis area.
Regular dental visits are necessary to maintain proper oral health and not visiting the dentist because of a severe gag reflex is not the solution.
For patients with gag reflex in St. Louis, Make sure to give us a call at (314) 862-7844 to schedule an appointment! We look forward to seeing you!
They are great with nervous kids AND parents.
This place is incredible! The staff is great with my 8 year old son with autism. He's had some pretty major dental issues and I wouldn't take him anywhere else. They are great with nervous kids AND parents. They go above and beyond for their patients." - via Facebook
Kati Pape Ross
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2019-10-02T09:25:33-05:00
Kati Pape Ross
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/they-are-great-with-nervous-kids-and-parents
We love all the workers there. Their very welcoming staff, but very professional. We’ve been going there for about 15 years.
Regina Johnson
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2018-10-01T17:44:46-05:00
Regina Johnson
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5668
Beyond pleased with our experience with Dr. Hoffman!! My son, Cameron, had work done and everything turned out way better than I could've ever expected. Dr Hoffman saved all of his teeth, where other dentist told me the only option for two of his teeth were to be pulled. His smile is so beautiful and I couldn't think them enough! They were sooo kind!! The dental hygienist were so sweet, and throughly explained everything to me. There was no judgement. They made this whole process so comfortable. Yes, it was pricey, but worth EVERY penny. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
Madi Gonko
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2020-05-02T17:50:40-05:00
Madi Gonko
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5670
We are so thankful that another dentist recommended The Dental Anesthesia Center to us. Our little boy needed special care due to his MTHFR mutation. Dr. Thoms was very thorough during our initial consultation, answering every question we could think of. When our son had his dental procedure under general anesthesia, Dr. Thoms and everyone else we encountered there served us with compassion and great concern for our son's well-being. We could not have asked for a better experience! Now our son is looking forward to his 6 month check-up, and we will recommend Dr. Thoms any opportunity we have to do so.
Rebekah Ellsworth
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2017-07-17T17:23:42-05:00
Rebekah Ellsworth
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5658
Best dentistry for dental anxiety, Clayton, MO. I have been searching for a dentist to ease my child's dental anxiety. Dr. Hoffmann and his team were so caring and understanding with my son Matthew!!!! Highly recommended, they know their stuff when it comes to sedation dentistry here in Saint Louis! Wouldn't take my family anywhere else!!!
Julie Carlton
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2016-05-05T17:18:35-05:00
Julie Carlton
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5653
Very professional and clean environment
Alen Hasanovic
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2017-08-28T17:27:56-05:00
Alen Hasanovic
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5663
So caring, so nice, as others said, a little higher priced. But it is worth every penny. I can't describe how great everyone is
josephclint williams
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2019-10-29T17:47:21-05:00
josephclint williams
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5669
Dr. Hoffman and his staff are amazing, friendly and caring. I have high anxiety and fear of dentists due to my past bad experiences, but the Dental Anesthesia Center made me feel at ease and comfortable. Had a lot of dental work done in one visit while sedated and recovered well. Now I have my smile back thanks to Dr. Hoffman and his team. If youre a person like me I definantly recommend you the Dental Anesthesia Center.
Lejla m
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2017-12-21T17:42:45-05:00
Lejla m
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5666
Best dental office for all your dental needs! Highly recommend!
haile miller
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2017-07-26T17:24:18-05:00
haile miller
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5659
The best dental experience I've ever had! Dr. Victoria Daugherty (now Mayer) is very easy to talk to and does a great job at procedures. My dental hygienist Dianna is awesome and personable, is thorough and pays a lot of attention to detail. I have never felt a lot of pain or anxiety with any procedure I've gotten done here. The front desk staff are also very helpful and friendly! Would highly recommend.
Donica Baker
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2017-09-01T17:42:10-05:00
Donica Baker
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5665
Dr Sean Thoms and his staff were great! The office is very welcoming and they yook very great care of my 2year old. I would recommend them to the world!
Terriona Adams
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2018-07-10T17:43:10-05:00
Terriona Adams
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5667
I actually Love everyone at the Dental Anesthesia Center. I have been going there for many years. But Dianna Dieffenbach Is my Hygienist. I Love how gentle and caring she is and yet how thorough she is. I hope I never have to go to a different place. Thanks to Dr. Hoffman I can smile and Thanks to Dianna for keeping it that way.
Sherry Cushman
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2015-12-03T17:14:18-05:00
Sherry Cushman
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5649
Everyone is so compassionate
By far the best place to go for children with special needs... my son is 3.5 and he is nonverbal and autistic...everyone is so compassionate and understanding and helpful. I will never take him anywhere else
-- via Facebook
Stacy O.
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2019-10-02T09:21:37-05:00
Stacy O.
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/everyone-is-so-compassionate
I had to have major dental work done and due to a chronic facial pain issue I needed IV sedation. The staff at Dental Anesthesia Center were kind, caring, and attentive. The phone questions were answered quickly and thoroughly. Scheduling issues were handled well. This is a highly professional group of people. I had a very good experience there and would recommend it to anyone needing IV sedation for dental care.
Trisha Freitag
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2013-07-15T17:12:14-05:00
Trisha Freitag
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5646
Last visit was 14 years ago. I need to make appointment soon. Bad tooth, not sure what else. These guys understand my anxiety and will put me out..wake up..all done!! These are The Only Staff I trust, 100% !!
Mary Melito
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2017-02-20T17:20:23-05:00
Mary Melito
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5655
Dr. Daugherty is fantastic!
Dr. Daugherty is fantastic! I had a buildup & crown done this morning and didn’t even feel a pinch when she numbed me! Taylor did a great job assisting! Dr. Daugherty has numbed my upper front area for crowns and I didn’t feel a thing - that’s a sensitive area. She does great work! The entire team is warm, welcoming and professional! I dread dental work but enjoy coming here!" - via Facebook
Vicky Pearl
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2019-10-02T09:22:33-05:00
Vicky Pearl
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/dr-daugherty-is-fantastic
Dr. Thoms was very friendly
My son is 3, autistic non-verbal and has oral sensory issues. They were absolutely amazing with him and I would recommend them for anyone with a child with special needs. Dr. Thoms was very friendly and explained everything to us before during and after his procedure. Couldn’t have asked for a better experience!! Thank you!!
-- via Facebook
Christina C.
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2019-10-02T09:16:27-05:00
Christina C.
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/dr-thoms-was-very-friendly
These guys are fantastic! If you are not going to the dentist because of a bad or painful experience this is the place to go.I was one of those people not going for way too long out of fear and anxiety. One day I had a horrible tooth ache, I put it off too long, the pain was unbearable and I didn`t have a dentist.Thank God I found The Dental Anesthesia Center. Don`t wait for this to happen. I have been a patient now for last fifteen years and I highly recommend you going here. You will be glad you did. The whole staff is the best. .
Mike Lorberbaum
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2016-01-21T17:17:21-05:00
Mike Lorberbaum
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5652
My 9yr old daughter was afraid of going to the dentist. I was referred to Dental Anesthesia and I must say, they were AWESOME!! Dr Sean Thoms along with the staff were wonderful. They explained everything they were going to do to my daughter and kept me well informed during her procedure. They allowed me to be by her side until she was sedated. They even called later in the day just to check on her. My daughter said they made her feel very comfortable and would want to return to this practice for future procedures.
Tonya Holmes
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2017-08-18T17:27:24-05:00
Tonya Holmes
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5662
My son is in need for oral surgery and Dr. Thoms was so kind and gentle with my son! We are so blessed to have found this team!
Taylor Kauffman
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2017-08-30T17:28:41-05:00
Taylor Kauffman
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5664
This office was fantastic!
My 3 year old recently had to have dental work done and this office was fantastic! Dr. Hoffmann explained everything thoroughly and the assistants made sure this nervous momma was comfortable as well. They even called the next day to check on him! Everything went smoothly and perfectly. His teeth look awesome and better than I expected! I would definitely recommend these guys to anyone!" - via Facebook
Whitney M.
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2019-10-02T09:23:29-05:00
Whitney M.
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/this-office-was-fantastic
Very kind and compassionate staff. They took excellent care of my special needs kiddo and took extra time to make sure it was done right. I would highly recommend.
User ShiningStar0428 on Google Reviews
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2020-09-02T17:51:13-05:00
User ShiningStar0428 on Google Reviews
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5671
I highly recommend the Dental Anesthesia Center. The best dental care, knowledgeable, efficient, state of the art facilities, friendly, painless, AWESOME!
Ann Rafferty
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2015-10-15T17:13:49-05:00
Ann Rafferty
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5648
The office felt welcoming, and the staff cordial. My wait time was short and the staff treated my husband as if he had no disability at all. Dr. Thoms explained everything in detail and was very personable which made us comfortable. I will be taking Dr. Thoms card back to my current dentist office and also my job at the doctor's off I work at as a reference for others who might need their services.
kellye tyler
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2017-07-09T17:22:21-05:00
kellye tyler
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5657
These guys and gals are great. I had some issues getting a root canal done at the endodontist. The team at The Dental Anesthesia Center really knows the drill. They filled me with confidence on what was a very unnerving experience. If you're considering sleep dentistry, give these floss wiedling dental denizens a call, they do great work and are good people, to boot!
Lane Maxwell
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2015-12-19T17:16:18-05:00
Lane Maxwell
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5650
I would absolutely really recommend this place to anyone. All of the nurses I came in contact with were really sweet and the dentist was really nice as well. I had some issues relaxing at first, but they were experts in trying an alternative and before I knew it, my appointment was over. I really wish I would have tried this place first and will definitely return.
Amy Comrey
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2016-01-14T17:16:47-05:00
Amy Comrey
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5651
5 STAR SLEEP DENTIST! Dental implants are the way to go if you're like me needle phobic, have missing teeth and do not want dentures or even partials. First came to their office wanting oral sedation but Dr. Hoffmann chose what level of sedation I would be the most comfortable with my VERY HIGH DENTAL PHOBIA, not to say NEEDLE PHOBIC!!!!
Samantha Chesnut
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2016-05-19T17:19:06-05:00
Samantha Chesnut
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5654
Great practice, I've been going there for 20+ years!!!
Chris Cimarolli
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2015-04-02T17:13:20-05:00
Chris Cimarolli
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5647
I have bad anxiety when visiting the dentist due to a bad experience on my part. However, coming here has changed all of that. This is a great office with a wonderful friendly staff and amazing dentist. I always feel comfortable and welcomed when I come to their office for an appointment.
Stacey
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2017-08-05T17:26:37-05:00
Stacey
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5661
5
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St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center