Let’s talk gag reflex. For some of us, it’s much stronger than it is for others. Is it due to a weak stomach?
Nawhh … There are people who can change diapers all day long without gagging. If you’ve ever done this for days on end, you know … you know … there are times when a gag would be completely acceptable.
Those same diaper-changing folks might hear the sound of retching and almost instantaneously find themselves dry-heaving in what one can only excuse as empathy. (You’re not empathetic, you’re completely grossed out … But empathy makes you sound kinder.)
If you’re struggling with dentures triggering your gag reflex, we’re glad you’re here. We’ll dive into why this happens, tips for not gagging with dentures, and permanent solutions that won’t have you gagging with dentures.
Looking for a permanent solution to dentures that won’t make you gag? Take this 60-second quiz to see if you may be eligible for full mouth dental implants.
So What Can You Do if Your Dentures Are Literally Gagging You?
You will find all sorts of tricks and tips for not gagging with dentures and tricks on the internet for controlling all of that gagging. These are tips for helping you to gag less, not tips for making it stop entirely.
To make it stop entirely, you can explore long term permanent solutions, like dental implants.
Tips for Not Gagging with Dentures
The first thing you can try is holding your tongue in a different position when you’re putting the dentures in your mouth. And then use your tongue to hold the dentures in place while they settle into place.
Your dentures may need to be relined because your jawbone has shrunk with age and deterioration. (Yes, dentures can contribute to your jawbone shrinking. See if you may be a candidate for long-term solutions that will help keep your jawbone healthy.)
Try distracting yourself while you place your dentures in your mouth. How are you supposed to distract yourself? Hmm … Maybe try watching a scary movie while you’re doing it? (Your guess is as good as ours on this one.)
Just give it time. You can try positive self-talk to force your mind to accept this foreign structure residing in your mouth. Yes. Do some sort of Jedi mind trick to convince yourself that you are indeed comfortable with that big piece of plastic in your mouth.
There you have it. Your tips for not gagging with dentures. There are not a whole lot of options for dealing with gagging while wearing dentures. Basically, you will just need to deal with it and wish it away. Enter in wishful thinking.
How fun will that be? You have new teeth. That can make you gag … every day.
OR.
Get full mouth dental implants... and BOOM! Gagging problem solved. (And so many other problems, as well.)
If you’re sick of gagging with dentures and ready for a permanent solution, you’re in the right place.
Long Term Solutions if Your Dentures are Gagging You
Do you really want to deal with gagging and spitting because of something that is supposed to be improving the state of your mouth?
Your choice should not be to deal with the lesser of two evils. Nuvia dental implants can serve you well without all of the extra problems that dentures bring.
Our dental implants allow your teeth to be securely rooted in your mouth. They can truly become part of your mouth and feel like they belong there.
You can get a brand new smile with permanent teeth in 24 hours at Nuvia that can take away your gag reflex struggles. Your teeth will not slip, slide, fall out, make you spit when you talk, or make you gag.
Ready to experience a solution to missing teeth that won’t make you gag? See if you may be a candidate for permanent teeth in 24 hours with this 60-second quiz.
Wondering “Why Do Dentures Make Me Gag”? You’re Not Alone
That is a great question. Why the heck do dentures make you want to gag? No, we don’t mean seeing your Granny’s dentures soaking by the kitchen sink. We mean that dentures make people gag while they are wearing them. Doesn’t seem quite right.
That begs another question. Do your natural teeth make you gag? No. The answer to that question is no. Your natural teeth do not cause your gag reflex to activate. Other solutions to missing teeth like dental implants also don’t make you gag. So why do dentures?
So Why on earth do your replacement teeth that are supposed to feel so natural cause you to do something that wouldn’t naturally happen? Well, in short, they shouldn’t.
A brand new set of false teeth comes with many unpleasant side effects that you have to adapt to or overlook. Why should spitting and gagging be an acceptable side effect?
When the Gag Reflex is Normal and When It’s Not: Why Do Dentures Stimulate the Gag Reflex?
Gagging is basically the opposite of swallowing. Rather than allowing any food or object to make its way through your digestive tract, your brain sends a signal out for your throat to shut it down. That should keep you from choking.
Our mouths are used to our natural teeth and the presence of our tongue. They grew in there and our bodies are just used to them. So, your gag reflex pays them no attention.
Despite what we may have been told about dentures, they are anything but natural. So putting this unnatural device into our mouths and taking up space is a problem for the gag reflex.
In essence, it’s as if our gag reflex sees those dentures as the enemy and shouts, “Danger, Will Robinson! Danger!” Then it tries to eject those pesky suckers and get them out of its territory.
The dentures have invaded the gag zone of your mouth. The roof of your mouth is your gag zone and dentures have a plate that covers the entire gag zone. It’s no wonder that they cause people to gag regularly.
Ask yourself this: Can I brush my back teeth without a hint of gagging? If you are a person who gags while brushing your teeth, then chances are that dentures are going to present a problem for you because you gag easier than most.
Your gag reflex may also be signaling another common problem with dentures. They don’t fit well. They are sitting way too far back in your mouth, and it is making your mouth and gag reflex very unhappy.
Many people who wear dentures may find that the plate of their dentures extends to the throat and constantly irritates and stimulates the gag reflex.
Unfortunately, your dentures are quite a bit bulkier than your natural teeth and they are covering your palate. Your palate is another area that is susceptible to triggering the gag reflex.
Your gag reflex is a natural response to something touching the back of your throat. It’s a good thing because it keeps us from choking or swallowing things when we don’t want to. It also helps us to vomit when our bodies need to get rid of something that should no longer be contained inside.
So, don’t blame yourself if you are gagging from wearing dentures. It’s not your fault.
Full mouth dental implants do not have this problem. Your mouth will be stable with a Nuvia smile. Nothing is touching the back of your throat or covering your palate causing your gag reflex to kick in.
At Nuvia, you get a beautiful permanent smile in twenty-four hours. Not months. Not weeks. Not even days. Just one day to change your smile and improve your quality of life.
Find out just how affordable the smile of your dreams could be with our FREE dental implant cost guide.
Dentures May Disqualify You from Getting Dental Implants if You Wait Too Long
Although gagging with dentures may be frustrating, it is only one side effect of dentures, there is more happening behind the scenes.
When you’re missing teeth and use a temporary solution like dentures, the jaw bone isn’t being stimulated. This means that because there are no teeth anchored in the jawbone, the bone can actually deteriorate. This can lead to other problems and may disqualify someone with bone loss from changing their life with long-term solutions like dental implants.
Dental implants are like screws. They need a good, solid foundation to stay in place and be the permanent solution you’re looking for. Without enough bone, you may not be a candidate for dental implants.
If you’ve been wearing dentures for some time, take this 60-second quiz to see if you may be eligible for dental implants.
IN THE END …
Most of us have felt our gag reflex at some point in our lives. It’s how our bodies were created with a bit of fail-safe. In other words, it’s natural to have a working gag reflex.
How strongly our gag reflexes respond to stimuli varies from person to person. That’s just part of life. Sometimes we’re triggered by a smell or a sound, sometimes it’s the sight of something we find disgusting, and sometimes it’s just the thought of something that grosses us out.
You don’t have to suffer through a new smile because your dentures are making you gag. You have another option. Frankly, you have an option that should never cause you to gag. You have an option that doesn’t require wishful thinking!
Fill out this 60-second quiz to see if you’re a candidate for a worry-free smile without the frustrating side effects of dentures.
Our passion is helping you get the smile you’ve always wanted.
So, before you do anything that involves dentures, talk with us at Nuvia to see what options you have for permanent teeth in 24 hours. Our knowledgeable staff will listen to you, answer your questions, and give you the accurate information you need to make the best decision for your health. You can also download a FREE cost guide where you can compare the cost of dentures to dental implants from Nuvia.
Remember, having a smile you are proud of isn’t just about your oral health, it may help with headaches, frustration, and embarrassment. That means a worry-free smile is good for you mentally, too!
Please, put down the denture brochure and give us a call before you do something that will really make you gag.
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