A sensitive gag reflex can make dental care difficult for your child. However, they still need to maintain at-home care and see their pediatric dentist regularly to support their oral health. Help them overcome their gag reflex with the tips below.

How to Handle Your Child’s Sensitive Gag Reflex

1. Use the Right Dental Care Products

Adult-sized toothbrushes, tongue scrapers, and floss picks are often too big for your child’s mouth and will trigger their gag reflex. Invest in dental care products designed for them. Smaller toothbrushes are much easier to maneuver, and thin flosser tools won’t reach too far into their mouth. Ask their pediatric dentist about preferred brands.

2. Handle Dental Care at the Right Time

Gag reflexes are most sensitive in the morning because your child hasn’t been talking or drinking, so work around it. Have them brush and floss after they’ve had breakfast. You can give them a portable dental care kit to use at school if needed. Try to schedule visits to their pediatric dentist in the afternoon as well.

3. Help Them Relax

Anxiety can make the gag reflex more sensitive, so help your child relax with deep breathing techniques, whether at home or the kids’ dentist office. If they have an upcoming appointment, schedule an introductory visit so they can become comfortable with the staff and pediatric dental office. During their exam, play relaxing music, bring an anxiety blanket, or let them watch a favorite movie on their phone. Just check with the office ahead of time for approval.

If your child has a dental phobia or sensitive gag reflex, the team at Pediatric Dentistry Kahala will accommodate their needs to ensure they receive stress-free care. Pediatric dentist Allen K. Hirai has assisted the children of Honolulu, HI, for over 24 years. Visit the pediatric dental clinic’s website for a full breakdown of their services, or call (808) 737-0076 to schedule a dental exam.