Gagging reflex

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Georgie74
Georgie74 Member Posts: 16
in Head and Neck Cancer #1

Hi all, I'm only one week into treatment and am having some issues with my gagging reflex.  When healthy it's normally really sensitive anyway; just last night it was triggered by me trying to brush my tongue because my tongue feels gross. I already feel the swelling in tonsil/back of throat area but not sure how to avoid gagging when brushing teeth, especially as I know this will get worse. Any tips welcomed!! Thanks! 

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  • CivilMatt
    CivilMatt Member Posts: 4,722 Member
    #2
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    gagging

    G74,

    Yes gagging can be normal, turning in to your “new normal”, but let’s hope it is temporary.

    You should have a ready-to-go supply of salt and soda mixture for rinsing your mouth out (often).  Your mouth, tongue and throat will become attention center very soon and you just learn to roll with the punches and do the best you can.  You can give it your all to be as you were, but don’t be mad or upset when things go askew.  We have all been there, you just adapt.

    I don’t know of an easy fix togagging and brushing your tongue.  Chances are, brushing your tongue will fall out of 1st place for your attention to normalcy.  I was a huge fan of magic mouth wash for the discomforts ahead.  I had a very good mixture, consumed 6 bottles, and sipped, swished and swallowed every drop.

    At 5+ years post I still have a tough time with brushing my tongue and gagging and it is made worse by the lack of saliva.  My ENT said I should rinse and gargle with salt water to keep my tongue clean.  He did not like the film I have on my tongue from lack of saliva.

    Matt

  • soonermom
    soonermom Member Posts: 155
    #3
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    Waterpik

    You might try a waterpik on the very lowest setting.  You still need to floss and brush.  Dental hygiene is very important but my husband found a very gentle waterpik reduced his gagging some.  For him, it varied during treatment and as civilMatt said it persists on occasion for my husband post treatment.  

  • Georgie74
    Georgie74 Member Posts: 16
    #4
    Options
    CivilMatt said:

    gagging

    G74,

    Yes gagging can be normal, turning in to your “new normal”, but let’s hope it is temporary.

    You should have a ready-to-go supply of salt and soda mixture for rinsing your mouth out (often).  Your mouth, tongue and throat will become attention center very soon and you just learn to roll with the punches and do the best you can.  You can give it your all to be as you were, but don’t be mad or upset when things go askew.  We have all been there, you just adapt.

    I don’t know of an easy fix togagging and brushing your tongue.  Chances are, brushing your tongue will fall out of 1st place for your attention to normalcy.  I was a huge fan of magic mouth wash for the discomforts ahead.  I had a very good mixture, consumed 6 bottles, and sipped, swished and swallowed every drop.

    At 5+ years post I still have a tough time with brushing my tongue and gagging and it is made worse by the lack of saliva.  My ENT said I should rinse and gargle with salt water to keep my tongue clean.  He did not like the film I have on my tongue from lack of saliva.

    Matt

    Thanks for your reply, I do

    Thanks for your reply, I do have the salt/soda mouth wash abs bioténe too. I think you're right....it's all about adjusting to that constantly changing new normal. 

  • Georgie74
    Georgie74 Member Posts: 16
    #5
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    soonermom said:

    Waterpik

    You might try a waterpik on the very lowest setting.  You still need to floss and brush.  Dental hygiene is very important but my husband found a very gentle waterpik reduced his gagging some.  For him, it varied during treatment and as civilMatt said it persists on occasion for my husband post treatment.  

    This seems like a great idea!

    This seems like a great idea!! Thank you. 

  • Joel4
    Joel4 Member Posts: 263 Member
    #6
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    Yes..

    I remember that stage.  Mine would be triggered mostly by brushing my teeth ,and gargling.  I found no way around it, just kind of did the best I could and thankfully it went away.  it was probably worst when I tried to brush my tongue.

  • Andy13460
    Andy13460 Member Posts: 115
    #7
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    Hi mouth fun

    Are you using an electric toothbrush (soft) I find them far better. You could do your tongue with this

    I dropped the salt and just used baking soda for the mouthwash.

    BMX magic mouthwash slightly different formula in Ireland but same result I think

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