Retching when brushing back teeth

[fly258]

I have just started doing this recently. Iv'e never done it before, so whats going on?

[Fran666]

that happens to me too when I push brush back too far. you should try brushing back of your your tongue like dentists reccommend-you'll be gagging within seconds! ugh

[Peter Pedant]

yes definitely a gag reflex.

It is definitely not static - mine started getting worse so that the dentist could hardly start to stick his big biscuit barrel fingers in my mouth without my puking.

Being English, of course i did not stop going to the D. obvious really, but redoubled my appointments. I also saved money on self-hypnosis and did breathing exercises whilst he was drilling and so on. Over five years it got better so that even he noticed. I also didnt notice that one can conscioulsy nose-breathe whilst he is fiddling around with your mouth, and it is much better. Now of course he can fit almost the whole of his dentist's surgery (and the odd trouble some patient) into my mouth without me noticing. Will power.

But it is a drag I agree.

[woofgang]

I am also a sufferer and the trouble is that once it has happened once, your body learns to expect it and it happens again. if you have a cough or are chesty, this makes the reflex more sensitive too.

 Good news is that it can be controlled, as Peter Pedant says. I find that using a smaller head toothbrush helps, also less toothpaste. Try timing your 3 minute brush by mentally singing a song or counting in your head to give you something else to concentrate on. Take your time cleaning your teeth. work on one tooth at a time, moving the brush slowly, this will give you more control and lessen the likelihood of your poking your toothbrush into your soft palate which really will make you gag!

I can't brush my tongue, but I can clean it using dental floss, just hold it taut and scrape it over your held out tongue. Good luck and kepp persevering, you arfe in good company

[secretspirit]

The only time I've had a problem with this is during pregnancy!!!!