Any Suggestions?

[ButterfliesInHerEyes]

Who better to ask than other emetophobics....

I have one hell of a time getting through the simplest procedure at the dentist, mainly because of gagging and nausea.

Does anyone have any suggestions what I can do to eliminate nausea and gagging at the dentist, without having to be put out (which isn't even possible all the time) for each and every little thing?

Maybe Sage has some good advice for this. How does an emetophobic person survive at the dentist?

Thanks in advance for your help.

[olschesky]

i know some dentists here give the patients a prescription for low dose valium to be taken right before they come to the office........really takes the edge off......

i'm pulling for you girl......i want to know all about it

[emmalinda]

if you have bad gag reflex, it would be good to put your legs up towards your stomach to squeeze your tummy muscles together, breath through your nose, or make a fist with your left hand with your thumb tucked inside and squeeze, and panic sets people off to gag so breath deeply through your nose and try and calm down. i would suggest taking a low dose of valium or something similar before you leave as well. after looking into peoples mouths i know when they're about to gag because they're hole mouth is tight, they're tongue is moving all over the place and they're very tense. relax your tongue, relax your mouth and just take a deep breath before they start. let the dentist know of the gag reflex and n* or anxiety before they begin.

[asianeko]

If you aren't looking to be knocked out or take medicine, there is always another option for you. It's a little unconventional, but it IS an option.

You can buy sprays to numb your gag reflex. Some of the weaker ones are sold at pharmacies and grocery stores to relieve sore throats. If you'd like a stronger one (between 15-30 minutes of numbness) you can order these online or from an adult store. You may get some funny looks from the doc if it has a label from the latter though

Spray obviously won't hold you through the entire procedure, but you could ask if he would mind you spraying every now and again as you have a sensitive gag reflex and you really don't want to test it. You may get a look, but you'll be more comfortable!

[ButterfliesInHerEyes]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone, I appreciate it.