Is it bad to trigger your gag reflex?
The main purpose of a gag reflex is to contract the throat to prevent a person from choking. A gag reflex is a normal, healthy response. However, in some people, the gag reflex may be oversensitive.
What is abnormal gag reflex?
Hyperactive Gag Reflex. The hyperactive gag reflex is the opposite of absence gag reflex. By the term itself, it is a high and sensitive reaction in the throat when any substances are passing through from mouth down to pharyngeal nerves.
Which nerve is responsible for controlling the muscles that result in the gag reflex?
The glossopharyngeal nerve (cranial nerve IX) is responsible for swallowing and the gag reflex, along with other functions. The glossopharyngeal nerve receives input from the general and special sensory fibers in the back of the throat.
What does it mean if you have a strong gag reflex?
Some people have an overly sensitive gag reflex that can be triggered by things such as anxiety, postnasal drip, or acid reflux. Swallowing pills, oral sex, or a trip to the dentist’s office can also be troublesome for those with an overactive gag reflex.
How do I get rid of my gag reflex anxiety?
However, having a variety of techniques to help stop the gagging might be helpful.
- Put salt on your tongue.
- Breathe through your nose.
- Spray numbing spray on the back of your throat or suck on a tetricane one-percent lollipop to numb the back of the mouth.
Is there a way to permanently get rid of gag reflex?
You can reduce or eliminate your gag reflex by gradually getting your soft palate accustomed to being touched. One technique is to use a toothbrush on your tongue: Using a soft toothbrush to brush your tongue until you reach the area that makes you feel like you might gag. If you gag, you have brushed too far.
Which nerve is responsible for taste as well as salivation?
Glossopharyngeal nerve is the ninth cranial nerve (CN IX) and CN XII (cranial nerve XII) is the hypoglossal nerve.
