Different methods for management of gaging reflex during prosthetic treatment

Abstract

Introduction The reflex of gaging and vomiting is an unpleasant feeling. Its purpose is to protect the upper respiratory tract and to remove foreign particles from posterior part of the oropharynx and upper gastrointestinal tract. Gag reflex could also be provoked by psychogenic stimuli modulated by higher brain centers. A common problem in clinical dental practice are patients with hypersensitivity in the oral cavity. Dental care could be a challenge for the dentists. Detailed anamnesis, clinical examination and gaging reflex management contribute to the appropriate approach in oral rehabilitation. Aim The aim of this study is to present different techniques for gaging and vomiting reflex management during prosthetic treatment Materials and Methods Detailed research in electronic databases Google scholar, Scopus, Pubmed and Research gate was conducted from September 2022 until December 2022. The keywords were: gag reflex, management, dentistry, removable partial denture. The literature was in English. Results A total of 542 articles were found during the literature review. In this study 39 original scientific papers meeting the criteria were included. Data and evidence for the importance of gaging reflex management were found in the reviewed articles. Conclusion The gag reflex decreases the effectiveness of the prosthetic treatment. A number of methods for its management are described in the literature and in the practice. The application of some of them is limited by local or general contraindications. Others could be used after an additional training. Regardless of the methods that are chosen, the dentist must take into account the characteristics of each patient and apply an individual approach.