Gag Reflex: No More A Gag To A Dentist The Behavioral Techniques, Pharmacological Techniques, Acupressure and Acupuncture in Controlling the Gag Reflex - A Review

Abstract

Gagging in dental patients can be disruptive to dental treatment and may be a barrier to a patient care, preventing the provision of treatment and the wearing of prostheses. Many management techniques have been described to control the gagging. This article reviews the literature on various management strategies described to prevent and control the gagging. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v11i1.9816 BJMS 2012; 11(1): 12-17

Gagging and its management—A review

“…39 The acupressure points that have been used in the past include Cheng jiang/CV-24 point, Nei guan/Point P-6, and Er men/TB-21 (Figure 7). [37][38][39][40][41] The Cheng jiang point has been studied most widely, which is situated in the mentolabial fold. 42 E. Sari and T. Sari combined acupuncture point CV-24 and acupressure on Point P-6 and found that they both acted synergistically.…”

“…3,[35][36][37][38] Acupressure can be a very effective tool to reduce and/or prevent gag reflex as it is a simple technique of locating the point and does not require any special training. The points can be pressed either by the patient, dentist, or the assistant.…”

“…The points can be pressed either by the patient, dentist, or the assistant. It is recommended to apply pressure onto the point from 5 min before the start of procedure until the procedure is completed [35][36][37][38].…”

Exploring alternative methods of gag reflex control Part 1: Acupressure

“…Studies investigating LI-4 could not be located; however, several reviews have discussed the success of acupressure to this acupoint and advocate it in relieving gagging. 15,17,18 Xianyun 19 states that Hegu can be pressed by the patient themselves, the dental nurse or the dentist -therefore offering flexibility. This acupoint offers a minimally invasive method of controlling the GR.…”

Exploring alternative methods of gag reflex control Part 2: Acupuncture

“…10 Acupuncture to point TB-21 is an effective and non-invasive technique to control gagging. 16,21 Synergy The success of CV-24 and P-6 used together has been documented in the relief of gagging. 14,22 Acupressure to P-6 has been investigated alongside laser stimulation to CV-24.…”