How to Stop or Desensitize Your Gag Reflex

You may be able to lessen a sensitive gag reflex through gradual practice. In the short term, certain approaches can help you swallow tablets or tolerate dental procedures.

The gag reflex, also known as the pharyngeal reflex, is a throat contraction that occurs when something contacts the roof of the mouth, the back of the tongue or throat, or the area around the tonsils.

This automatic response helps prevent choking and stops us from ingesting potentially harmful substances.

Some individuals have an unusually sensitive gag reflex that can be triggered by factors such as anxiety, postnasal drip, or acid reflux. Swallowing medication, oral procedures, or visiting the dentist can be particularly challenging for those with an overactive gag response.

Continue reading to understand more about the gag reflex and its triggers. We’ll also review methods to reduce or desensitize your gag reflex.

What is a gag reflex?

Your gag reflex causes the muscles at the back of your throat (the oropharynx) to contract and resist swallowing. This mechanism helps protect you from choking and swallowing dangerous material.

Gagging commonly involves forceful throat muscle contractions, and is frequently accompanied by abdominal spasms and nausea.

A 2014 review noted that gag responses can vary from mild choking to severe retching and vomiting.

What causes gagging?

Gagging is typically linked to contact or irritation near the oropharynx.

Yet, a 2015 study indicates your gag reflex can be triggered by a variety of sensory inputs, including:

• touch
• taste
• sight
• smell
• sound

An overactive gag reflex may also be related to several conditions, such as:

• medical issues like acid reflux or multiple sclerosis
• stress
• anxiety
• panic
• vigorous physical exertion
• strong or unpleasant odors
• sensitivity or allergic reactions to certain foods or liquids

How to control your gag reflex in common situations

There are many situations where gagging may be likely, including swallowing pills and undergoing dental work.

Pill swallowing

Harvard University reports that roughly one-third of people gag, choke, or vomit when trying to swallow pills (Harvard).

A 2014 study from the University of Heidelberg in Germany found two techniques that helped participants swallow tablets successfully.

1. The pop-bottle technique

1. Place the pill on your tongue.
2. Seal your lips tightly around the mouth of a water bottle.
3. Close your eyes.
4. Drink by sucking water from the bottle while keeping your lips sealed. Avoid taking in air.
5. The pill will be carried into your throat with the water.

This method helped 60 percent of study participants improve their pill swallowing.

2. The lean-forward technique

1. Place the pill on your tongue.
2. Take a small sip of water but do not swallow immediately.
3. Tilt your head forward, bringing your chin toward your chest.
4. Swallow the water and pill while your head is bent forward.

The lean-forward approach improved swallowing in over 89 percent of participants in the study.

You can find additional pill-swallowing strategies in related resources.

Dental treatments

About half of dental patients report gagging at least once during a dental visit, according to a 2014 study. Dentists use several strategies to help patients suppress the gag reflex so treatment can continue smoothly.

• Medication. A 2016 study showed that local anesthetic effectively controlled the gag reflex during dental impressions. A 2015 study also suggested that sedatives can ease anxiety and tension, thereby reducing gagging episodes.
• Psychological techniques. The same 2015 study noted that distracting patients—through conversation or adjusted positioning—can be an effective way to minimize gagging for some individuals.

Reducing the gag reflex with acupuncture

Acupuncture is a complementary therapy involving thin needles inserted at specific body points.

The 2015 study suggested that needling two particular points can temporarily reduce the gag reflex. One point is located on the front of the wrist, one to two inches below the palm; the other is on the chin, just beneath the lower lip.

A 2014 review in the Nitte University Journal of Health Science proposed that a recognized anti-gag point on each ear may be most effective.

Acupuncture should be performed only by a licensed practitioner.

Reducing gagging with acupressure

Acupressure is a traditional Chinese technique that applies pressure to designated body points to address stress, illness, or pain.

Often described as acupuncture without needles, a 2008 study found that pressing a specific point on the palm consistently altered the gag reflex.

One way to apply this pressure is to close your left hand over your left thumb to form a fist. By squeezing—firmly but without pain—you exert pressure on the thumb, which stimulates the target point.

How to desensitize your gag reflex

You can decrease or remove your gag reflex by slowly training your soft palate to tolerate touch. One approach uses a toothbrush on the tongue:

1. Use a soft toothbrush to brush your tongue until you reach the region that makes you feel like you might gag. If you gag, you have gone too far.
2. Brush that area for about 15 seconds.
3. Repeat once daily until the urge to gag subsides. That area has become desensitized.
4. Then move the brush slightly further back (about 1/4 to 1/2 inch) and repeat, gradually progressing back to the farthest visible point of the tongue.

Desensitization generally takes around a month and is a longer-term fix useful for people with chronic gagging. It can help you adapt to triggers such as new dentures extending into the palate, throat swabs, dental procedures, or oral activities.

The takeaway

Gagging can make many situations uncomfortable, from taking medication to dental appointments. Short-term measures to reduce the gag reflex include local anesthetic and acupuncture. A long-term option is progressive desensitization.

Remember that the gag reflex is a protective bodily mechanism, so discuss your wish to diminish or remove it with your doctor. They can advise on treatments suited to your overall health and any medications you use.