Gag Reflex

The pharyngeal reflex or gag reflex is a reflex contraction of the back of the throat, evoked by touching the Soft Palate. It prevents something from entering the throat except as part of normal swallowing and helps prevent choking. Different people have different sensitivities to the gag reflex.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gag_reflex

When I get it

• doctor taking throat swab, or even sticking tongue-depressor in
• getting dental x-rays
• trying to fit a "dental device" for Sleeping And Snoring

Solutions?

• http://www.wikihow.com/Suppress-the-Gag-Reflex
• http://www.dentalfearcentral.org/gagging_dentist.html
• have dentist give you a c-tetracaine lollipop!
• nasal decongestant (Sudafed, Afrin, Flonase)
• throat numbing spray
• Breathe Right snore-relief spray?!?

Solutions - in-the-moment

• extend head/neck more like receiving mouth-to-mouth
• hum?!?!
• hold thumbs in fist, maybe dig fingernail into back of thumb
• raise legs, to tighten abs
• train with toothbrush