What is a gag reflex?

What is a gag reflex?

The gag reflex, also called the pharyngeal reflex, is a contraction of the throat that happens when something touches the roof of your mouth, the back of your tongue or throat, or the area around your tonsils. This reflexive action helps to prevent choking and keeps us from swallowing potentially harmful substances.

What causes gag reflex?

Although trigger points in the mouth may vary, a gag reflex will typically occur when something stimulates the base of the tongue, the uvula, or the tonsil area. Some people may gag from a very gentle touch on a trigger point, while others may be able to tolerate a more intense sensation before gagging.

How do you assess for gag reflex?

Touching each side of the pharynx with the sterile tongue depressor tests the pharyngeal “gag” reflex. Stroking each side of the mucous membrane of the uvula tests the palatal reflex; the side that is touched will rise. Document normal or abnormal responses.

How do you control your gag reflex during an impression?

If you’re seated in an upright position and tilt your head forward, the impression material will ooze forward rather than toward your throat. This should reduce the chance of triggering your gag reflex while the impression is being made, so ask your dental professional to make sure your seat is set up straight.

Which nerve is responsible for gag reflex?

The gag reflex involves a brisk and brief elevation of the soft palate and bilateral contraction of pharyngeal muscles evoked by touching the posterior pharyngeal wall. Touching the soft palate can lead to a similar reflex response. However, in that case, the sensory limb of the reflex is the CN V (trigeminal nerve).

What part of the brain controls gag reflex?

Medulla oblongata
Medulla oblongata It is partly responsible for heart rate and how your lungs work. It also controls reflexes such as swallowing, coughing and the gag reflex.

Which nerve is responsible for the gag reflex?

The afferent limb of the reflex is supplied by the glossopharyngeal nerve (cranial nerve IX), which inputs to the nucleus solitarius and the spinal trigeminal nucleus. The efferent limb is supplied by the vagus nerve (cranial nerve X) from the nucleus ambiguus. All of these are located in the medulla.

What causes lack of gag reflex?

In certain instances, a lack of a gag reflex may be a symptom of a more severe medical condition, such as cranial nerve damage or brain death. Contrast this with a hypersensitive gag reflex (HGR), which may be caused by anxiety, postnatal drip, acid reflux, or oral stimulation such as during dental treatments.

What is molar gagging?

ex): This type is a very mild form of gagging which can be controlled by the patient. It is seen during high risk dental procedures such as maxillary impression taking or restoration to the distal, palatal or lingual surfaces of molar teeth which may directly stimulate the trigger zones.

Is gag reflex somatic or autonomic?

Cards

Term Somatic Reflexes are…	Definition 1)Abdominal Reflex 2)Achilles Reflex 3)Corneal Reflex 4)Crossed-Extensor Reflex 5)Gag Reflex 6)Plantar Reflex 7)Patellar Reflex
Term Autonomic Reflexes are…	Definition 1)Ciliospinal Reflex 2)Pupillary Light Reflex
Term Ciliospinal Reflex	Definition Sympathetic

Which nerve is gag reflex?

Stimulation of the soft palate can also elicit the gag reflex; however, the sensory limb, in this case, is the trigeminal nerve (CN V). Here, sensory stimulation of the soft palate travels through the nucleus of the spinal tract of the trigeminal nerve.

What muscles do gag reflex?

Excerpt. The gag reflex, also known as the pharyngeal reflex, is an involuntary reflex involving bilateral pharyngeal muscle contraction and elevation of the soft palate. This reflex may be evoked by stimulation of the posterior pharyngeal wall, tonsillar area, or base of the tongue.

Is gag reflex sensory or motor?

The pharyngeal reflex or gag reflex is a reflex muscular contraction of the back of the throat, evoked by touching the roof of the mouth, the back of the tongue, the area around the tonsils, the uvula, and the back of the throat.

Why do I gag when brushing my teeth?

When the sensory nerve ending is touched by the toothbrush, a nerve impulse goes to your sensory neuron which carries the muscle to contract, thus, the gag reflex.

What muscle is responsible for gag reflex?

posterior pharyngeal muscles
This ultimately results in the bilateral contraction of the posterior pharyngeal muscles. Contraction of the pharyngeal musculature ipsilateral to the side of the stimulus is known as the direct gag reflex, and contraction of the musculature on the contralateral side is known as the consensual gag reflex.

Does squeezing your left thumb turn off your gag reflex?

Squeeze Your Thumb to Ease Gag Reflexes As Lifehacker reports, a strong gag reflex can be countered and distracted by encircling your left thumb in a fist—and it works quickly.

What is gagging a symptom of?

Gagging is usually caused by any foreign body that will irritate the lungs or bronchial tree. Acid reflux (GERD), inflammation of the epiglottis, or a mini stroke can cause a gag reflex.

Why is my tongue so white?

White tongue is the result of an overgrowth and swelling of the fingerlike projections (papillae) on the surface of your tongue. The appearance of a white coating is caused by debris, bacteria and dead cells getting lodged between the enlarged and sometimes inflamed papillae.