Gag reflex in children and adults. Causes and methods of elimination

A vomitive reflex is defined as one of the protective properties of the body. It appears in case of penetration into the digestive system of damaging or toxic substances. However, a high gag reflex is often detected. Often such a reaction occurs during the morning hygiene procedures. Why does the vomiting reflex arise when cleaning teeth and how to cope with it?

Very typical of this reaction is for young children. It should be noted that the emetic reflex in each child is developed in its own way. Often such a reaction arises on the taste of the toothpaste, on the brush itself. However, in some cases, it may indicate a stressful condition or GI disease. Sometimes the gag reflex increases when the child gets to the dentist. In this case, the reaction involves fear of intervention. As practice shows, this state passes after a trusting relationship is established between the doctor and the baby. Sometimes children themselves provoke this reaction of the body. Thus, they show a reluctance to brush their teeth.

You can cope with the situation by applying various methods. Mostly, parents should remember that almost always a reflex can be "brought up." In this case, in order to prevent an unwanted reaction in the child during brushing teeth should pick up a comfortable brush with a small head, buy your favorite toothpaste. In addition, cleaning procedures should be carried out daily. As a rule, over time, the child gets used to such a need, which contributes to the disappearance of this unpleasant phenomenon. However, if the methods described above do not bring the desired result, you should consult a doctor.

Morning procedures include not only washing and brushing your teeth. Purification of the language should also be given attention. In adults, often this action causes a vomitive reflex. However, it is necessary to carry out measures to clean up the language.

There are special scrapers and soft brushes with which the cleaning is carried out. Movements should be cautious and directed towards the outer edge of the tongue from the root. The above described actions are carried out after preliminary cleaning of the teeth.

If previously there was no cleansing of the tongue, the first procedures may cause vomiting . Often this condition occurs when using toothpaste, so specialists do not recommend using it for the first cleaning.

In order to get rid of the emetic reflex, there is a special set of exercises.

First, it is necessary to determine the area under which a protective reaction occurs. To do this, the toothbrush should be drawn from the root of the tongue to its tip.

Massage should begin the adjacent area to the point, upon exposure to which a reflex occurs. Do not immediately try to move forward.

You can start with evening brushing your teeth or at any convenient time. Massaging is recommended for ten seconds. Unpleasant sensations can arise in the process. However, massage will reduce sensitivity.

After a few days the reflex will not manifest itself so actively. In this case, do not stop the exercise. On the contrary, it is recommended, if possible, to increase their duration and impact area.

It should be noted that, as a rule, it is impossible to achieve the desired result immediately. It may take several weeks to completely eliminate the reflex. It should be remembered that all movements should be done carefully and not stop the procedure for a day.

If, after suppressing the reaction, it returns after a while, it is recommended to repeat the course. If this does not work, you should visit a doctor.