Gag Reflex...Can it be eliminated? - General Health Message Board

CandP · 11-12-2008, 09:21 AM

I'm currently doing some speech therapy exercises. I have minor cerebral palsy and I want to improve my speech.

I think I have a bad gag reflex. I am trying to do this particular exercise with a tongue depressor, which says to slide it up and down the tongue, and do the same on top part of the mouth. I am trying, and thus, start my gag reflex. No, I don't vomit but I cannot prolong the depressor up and down for lomg periods of time. Also extending my tongue out cause the gag reflex as well. Not offend but it does.

I'm just interested in knowing if working at it can get rid of gag reflex in general, anyone know?

Soibhan · 11-12-2008, 11:02 AM

I don't believe you want to get rid of your gag reflex because it's a protection mechanism. However, some people have a much stronger urge than others. My mother happens to be one and her dentist told her the gag reflex is always strongest in the morning. Therefore, she always makes dentist appts. for later in the afternoon and it's helped somewhat. You might try doing your exercises later in the day and see if it helps. If not, you need to call the speech therapist and see if he/she has other suggestions. I know that's an uncomfortable problem and I wish you luck.
Soibhan

CandP · 11-12-2008, 11:31 AM

Thanks so much for your insight, and it just so happened that it was around morning or about 2 hours after I awoke was when I was doing the exercises.

I think, too, it does serve a purpose and I think I mis-worded my thoughts. What I read in the exercise is that by doing this exercise with the tongue depressor, it can minimize the gag reflex a great deal. I was hoping that maybe someone might know this to be true as well?

CandP · 11-12-2008, 11:31 AM

double post sorry