Dentist's

[butterflies]

When I go to the dentist's and have to lie down with my mouth wide open for a while I feel I'm going to choke as I can't swallow (this brings me into a panic). My dentist doesn't understand this as he says there's nothing in my mouth to swallow as it's being sucked up. However, I always feel something from my sinuses needs swallowing away - surely I'm not the only one?

[andy-hughes]

Sorry your dentist is being so unsympathetic!

Your reaction is your gag reflex, which is automatic, but it can be controlled.

What you need to do is to practice.

Sit or lie with your mouth as wide open as you can. Wait a few seconds, and then breathe deeply and slowly through your mouth and nose. This will prevent your gag reflex from starting, with a little practice.

When you get to your dentist, explain that you have an over-active gag reflex, and you would like him to stop working and remove his instruments, and the suction tube from your mouth when you raise your hand, which you will do if you feel your reflex coming on.

The knowledge that you have control, together with this technique, will mean that eventually you will be relaxed enough to let him work away.

If he won't co-operate, or pooh-poohs your request, find another dentist!

[bensmum]

No you're not alone. Even with aspiration I feel that I need to swallow and my dentist always gives me a chance to do this. I think your dentist lacks understanding - as andy-hughes say perhaps you should look for another.

[crisgal]

I hate it too. I know they are sucking it up, but I never know when to swallow.
I must say though, my dentist - oops! sorry! "Therapist" these days, stops as often as i want.

[MrXLA]

Hi crisgal not really related to the subjecy mater but just wondering from your post (as you may cause confusion for readers).
Dentist and (Dental) Therapist are NOT interchangable terms, currently a Dental Therapist works under the treatment plan of a dentist and can do many of the things (but not all) that a dentist does.
Did you mean that you see a dentist for examination and a therapist for treatment? (I only ask because if this is not the case someone is breaking the law)

[MrXLA]

Oh and in relation to the subject matter the people who have alreadty answered are quite right, you present with a problem that is commonly encountered by dentists and they should be able to accomodate you. In some cases sedation can help but is usually not necessary.

[butterflies]

Thank you all for your answers. Glad to hear it's normal. I must say my dentist is very unsympathetic but his work is very good so my orthodontist tells me to stick with him. The work he's doing doesn't allow him to stop and let me swallow as that would allow saliva back into my mouth and it would be to start again. I'll certainly start practising andy-hughes before I next see him in 2 weeks.

[crisgal]

MrXLA
I see a dentist for my check ups and have only had one filling. I was refered to the "therapist" for that. x