u/M_diroV

I’m wondering if anyone else here deals with this, because I’m honestly feeling a bit alone with it.

I have level 1 autism and I’ve had an extremely strong gag reflex for as long as I can remember, especially when it comes to dental hygiene. It’s not just anxiety (although obviously I have some now too) — it’s a physical reflex. I can barely get a toothbrush in my mouth without violent gagging.

With a lot of effort and practice I’ve managed to brush a bit, but not nearly enough, and it has unfortunately caused dental problems over time.

I recently went to the dentist because I’m in pain and need multiple treatments (one extraction, one root canal, cleaning, wisdom teeth, etc.). They managed to do X-rays and examine me, but even that was difficult.

To test things, they suggested I take a relaxant before the appointment (diazepam). It actually helped more than I expected: the gagging was MUCH less intense and they could finally examine me and take X-rays. But I still had gagging “attempts,” and my dentist thinks it won’t be enough for longer procedures.

I’ve also tried anti-nausea medication, but because this seems to be such a strong reflex rather than nausea itself, they’re not convinced that will help much. My dentist thinks IV sedation would probably be the best option, and doesn’t think nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) would be enough in my case. The thing that scares me is that, because my reflex is so strong, nobody seems fully sure if even sedation will completely work.

So I wanted to ask:

Does anyone else deal with an extreme gag reflex like this?

Especially if you’re autistic or have sensory issues?

What actually helped you?

Did IV sedation work?

Were you able to get through longer dental procedures?

Sometimes people assume it’s just “fear of the dentist” or that I should just push through it, but it genuinely doesn’t feel like that. It feels like my body immediately goes into full NOPE mode

Would really appreciate hearing from anyone who has been through something similar.

I’m wondering if anyone else here deals with this, because I’m honestly feeling a bit alone with it.

I have level 1 autism and I’ve had an extremely strong gag reflex for as long as I can remember, especially when it comes to dental hygiene. It’s not just anxiety (although obviously I have some now too) — it’s a physical reflex. I can barely get a toothbrush in my mouth without violent gagging.

With a lot of effort and practice I’ve managed to brush a bit, but not nearly enough, and it has unfortunately caused dental problems over time.

I recently went to the dentist because I’m in pain and need multiple treatments (one extraction, one root canal, cleaning, wisdom teeth, etc.). They managed to do X-rays and examine me, but even that was difficult.

To test things, they suggested I take a relaxant before the appointment (diazepam). It actually helped more than I expected: the gagging was MUCH less intense and they could finally examine me and take X-rays. But I still had gagging “attempts,” and my dentist thinks it won’t be enough for longer procedures.

I’ve also tried anti-nausea medication, but because this seems to be such a strong reflex rather than nausea itself, they’re not convinced that will help much. My dentist thinks IV sedation would probably be the best option, and doesn’t think nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) would be enough in my case. The thing that scares me is that, because my reflex is so strong, nobody seems fully sure if even sedation will completely work.

So I wanted to ask:

Does anyone else deal with an extreme gag reflex like this?

Especially if you’re autistic or have sensory issues?

What actually helped you?

Did IV sedation work?

Were you able to get through longer dental procedures?

Sometimes people assume it’s just “fear of the dentist” or that I should just push through it, but it genuinely doesn’t feel like that. It feels like my body immediately goes into full NOPE mode

Would really appreciate hearing from anyone who has been through something similar.

I’m wondering if anyone else here deals with this, because I’m honestly feeling a bit alone with it.

I have level 1 autism and I’ve had an extremely strong gag reflex for as long as I can remember, especially when it comes to dental hygiene. It’s not just anxiety (although obviously I have some now too) — it’s a physical reflex. I can barely get a toothbrush in my mouth without violent gagging.

With a lot of effort and practice I’ve managed to brush a bit, but not nearly enough, and it has unfortunately caused dental problems over time.

I recently went to the dentist because I’m in pain and need multiple treatments (one extraction, one root canal, cleaning, wisdom teeth, etc.). They managed to do X-rays and examine me, but even that was difficult.

To test things, they suggested I take a relaxant before the appointment (diazepam). It actually helped more than I expected: the gagging was MUCH less intense and they could finally examine me and take X-rays. But I still had gagging “attempts,” and my dentist thinks it won’t be enough for longer procedures.

I’ve also tried anti-nausea medication, but because this seems to be such a strong reflex rather than nausea itself, they’re not convinced that will help much. My dentist thinks IV sedation would probably be the best option, and doesn’t think nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) would be enough in my case. The thing that scares me is that, because my reflex is so strong, nobody seems fully sure if even sedation will completely work.

So I wanted to ask:

Does anyone else deal with an extreme gag reflex like this?

Especially if you’re autistic or have sensory issues?

What actually helped you?

Did IV sedation work?

Were you able to get through longer dental procedures?

Sometimes people assume it’s just “fear of the dentist” or that I should just push through it, but it genuinely doesn’t feel like that. It feels like my body immediately goes into full NOPE mode

Would really appreciate hearing from anyone who has been through something similar.