Question:
GAG REFLEX

OK I'VE BEEN APPROVE FROM INS. AND JUST THIS MORNING I WAS BRUSHING MY TEETH IN THE SHOWER AND GAGED MYSELF WITH MY TOOTH BRUSH. THIS HAPPENDS A FEW TIMES A WEEK AND WAS WONDERING HOW IS THIS GONNA EFFECT ME AFTER SURGERY? UNTILL I HEAL WONT GAGGING REALLY HURT AND POSS. DO DAMAGE TO MY WONDS? I KNOW I NEED TO BE CAREFULL BUT I CANT HELP IT. I DONT TRY TO DO IT (OF COARSE) BUT I KNOW ITS GONNA HAPPEN. ANY SUGGESTIONS OR TIPS OR CONCERNS?    — PHATBOY (posted on November 2, 2006)

November 2, 2006
I too suffered from this problem pre-op. The strange thing is that i have less gag reflex problems post op (3 weeks now) than i did pre. BUt i have had a few bouts with it. From everyone i have talked to as well as my doctor there is not a real threat to be posed by vomitting, to the healing process. I had mine open and the only pain i felt from vomitting was to the external incision. So in short, i think you ahv enothign to worry about from a damage perspective. Just take your time, follow the docs instructions and the comitting should hopefully be to a minimum. -Good Luck and God Bless - Bob
   — NeoLobo

November 2, 2006
Why not try to brush your teeth with those things they use for infants (a little rubber thingy that goes over your finger). Also, rinse with a little mouthwash. At least until you are all healed, I'm sure your teeth won't suffer if you take a little brushing shortcut for a while!
   — Jill23

November 2, 2006
PS--Perhaps you should brush in front of the bathroom mirror instead of in the shower. You may be able to give a lot more concentration to what you are doing that way.
   — Jill23

November 2, 2006
Well don't push your toothbrush so far back in your mouth and hopefully that will stop the gagging. As far as after surgery, that will only happen if you eat something and your body rejects it -- I can't remember what its called. I've never heard of gag reflex before. Congrats on being approved!
   — the7thdean

November 2, 2006
Hi JR, I think that this "Gag Reflex" is something that you should discuss with your Surgeon. He/She should be aware of the problem and could probably give you some pointers. It is not something that is going to stop the surgery, but the Doctor should be aware of it. - Judy
   — jk_harris

November 4, 2006
I solved the gagging problem by switching to a children's toothbrush. The smaller head lets me clean my teeth without the extra plastic that caused the gagging.
   — mrsidknee