A tray placed in the mouth makes many people feel nauseous, cough or want to stop partway. It is a natural reflex and there are many ways to ease it.
- Nausea during impressions is a natural gag reflex, not a sign that you are weak or doing anything wrong.
- Slow nose breathing, sitting upright with the head slightly forward and focusing on something else help reduce nausea.
- Tell the dentist beforehand so a suitable tray can be used and the work done quickly in short stages.
- Do not eat a very big meal and do not go too hungry before the visit.
When making crowns, dentures or aligner trays, the dentist often needs to take an impression of the teeth with a tray holding a soft material. Many people feel nauseous, cough or want to take the tray out at once. This is the body's natural gag reflex, not a sign that you are weak or doing anything wrong.
Why does an impression make you feel nauseous?
The soft palate and the back of the tongue are very sensitive. When the tray or material touches or runs down towards the throat, the body reacts to push out the foreign object. Anxiety and a racing heart make the reflex stronger. Some people simply have a more sensitive gag reflex than others.
Tips to reduce nausea
- Breathe slowly and evenly through your nose, and do not hold your breath. If your nose is blocked, clear it first.
- Sit upright with your head tilted slightly forward so that material does not run down towards the throat.
- Focus on something else: count backwards, run a song in your head or look at one fixed point. Many people find that lifting the feet slightly helps.
- Relax the shoulders and jaw, and do not stiffen the body.
- Tell the dentist in advance that you gag easily so a suitable tray with less material can be chosen, the work done faster and split into several short stages.
Preparing before the visit
- Do not eat a big meal just before, but do not go too hungry either.
- Avoid drinking a lot of water or coffee just before the appointment.
- Brush gently and avoid brushing deep into the tongue just before you go.
See also whether you need to fast before a dental visit and how to prepare and how adults who fear the dentist can feel less anxious.
When should you visit Ky Hoa Dental Clinic?
Nha Khoa Ky Hoa is at 266A - 268, 3 Thang 2 Street, Hoa Hung Ward, Ho Chi Minh City. You can call the hotline 028.3868.1097 to ask about quieter times first, or walk in during opening hours and say clearly that you gag easily so that the dentist can take it slowly and gently for you.
Frequently asked questions
Why do impressions make me feel nauseous?
Because the soft palate and back of the tongue are very sensitive, so when the tray or material touches them the body reflexes to push it out. Anxiety also makes the reflex stronger.
How can I reduce nausea during dental impressions?
Breathe slowly through the nose, sit upright with the head tilted slightly forward, focus on something else such as counting backwards, relax the shoulders and tell the dentist beforehand so the work can go slowly and in short stages.
Should I fast before having impressions taken?
There is no need to fast. Eat lightly beforehand, avoid a very big meal and do not go too hungry either.