Overcoming Gag Reflex with Dentures: Proven Techniques for Long-Term Relief
- michaelgrishindent
- Jun 3
- 4 min read

Whether you're new to dentures or you've been wearing them for years, a proper fit is essential for comfort, chewing, and even gum enjoyment. At Grishin Denture Specialist, we serve patients in Spokane, Spokane Valley, Cheney, Deer Park, and Liberty Lake, offering expert care and affordable dentures in Spokane tailored to your unique needs. If your dentures feel loose or shift while chewing, Denturist Michael Grishin—a trusted denturist near me—can assess your fit and recommend a reline, adjustment, or a brand-new set of dentures in Spokane.
Why Gag Reflex Happens with Upper Dentures
The gag reflex—also called the pharyngeal reflex—is a natural protective response that helps prevent choking. However, in denture wearers, especially those with new upper dentures, it can become overactive due to poor fit, excessive coverage of the soft palate, or anxiety.
Posterior palatal seal issues: When the back edge of the upper denture extends too far into the soft palate, it triggers the reflex.
Loose or ill-fitting dentures: Movement of the denture can stimulate the throat or cause discomfort.
Oversized or thick dentures: Bulky acrylic bases increase the sensation in sensitive areas.
Psychological factors: Anticipating gagging can actually trigger it—a phenomenon known as anticipatory gagging.
How to Stop Gagging When Wearing Dentures
1. Adjust the Fit with a Professional Reline or Trim
An upper denture that extends too far into the soft palate is the most common cause of gag reflex in new wearers. A licensed denturist can:
Trim the posterior border to reduce palatal contact
Re-contour the denture to make it thinner in key areas
Add a soft reline to improve comfort and stability
A study published in The Journal of Prosthodontics found that over 68% of patients reporting gag reflex from dentures experienced full relief after a simple reline and posterior trim.
2. Desensitization Exercises
Gradual exposure can train your body to tolerate the denture. Start without wearing the denture and practice touching the back of your tongue with a toothbrush or a clean finger. Increase contact time daily. Once this becomes comfortable, reintroduce the denture in short sessions and gradually extend the wear time.
Touch, hold, breathe: Use nasal breathing while touching the gag area.
Practice with partial insertion: Insert only the front portion of the denture and build tolerance.
3. Topical Numbing Gels (Use Sparingly)
Over-the-counter oral anesthetics like benzocaine gel can temporarily numb the soft palate or upper gums to reduce sensitivity. However, these should be used cautiously and only during the adaptation phase. Extended use can interfere with natural reflexes and mask fit issues.
4. Switch to a Palateless Upper Denture or Implant-Supported Option
Patients with extreme upper denture discomfort may benefit from:
Palateless dentures: These cover only the ridge and not the palate, reducing gag response.
Implant-retained dentures: Provide retention without requiring full palatal coverage.
According to the Journal of Oral Implantology, implant-supported maxillary dentures reduced gag reflex in 92% of patients with previous full-palate upper dentures.
5. Psychological Techniques for Reflex Control
The gag reflex can be intensified by stress, anxiety, and negative expectations. Behavioral strategies include:
Mindful breathing during insertion
Positive visualization before wearing dentures
Cognitive distraction—e.g., listening to calming music or watching TV
In severe cases, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help retrain the brain’s response to oral stimuli.
Identifying Denture-Related Gag Reflex vs. Other Causes
Not all gag reflex issues stem from dentures. It’s essential to rule out:
Post-nasal drip or sinus infections
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Enlarged tonsils or throat infections
Neurological sensitivity or injury
Persistent gagging despite denture adjustments may require medical referral to an ENT specialist or neurologist.
Common Myths About Gag Reflex and Dentures
Myth: “You just have to get used to it.”
False. While some initial adjustment is normal, excessive gagging signals a problem with design, placement, or material. It is not something most patients simply "grow out of."
Myth: “A thicker denture means better durability.”
False. Thickness in the palatal area increases sensitivity. Advanced materials and expert design allow for thin yet durable prosthetics.
Conclusion

If you're experiencing a persistent gag reflex, especially with upper dentures, it's important not to wait. If discomfort continues beyond two weeks, a consultation with a skilled denturist can make all the difference. Many Spokane-area patients endure gagging or poor fit far longer than necessary—when a simple adjustment or design modification could resolve the issue almost immediately. At Grishin Denture Specialist, we offer personalized assessments and custom-fit solutions tailored to your unique anatomy and tolerance level.
Whether you're new to dentures or you've been wearing them for years, a proper fit is essential for comfort, chewing, and even gum enjoyment. At Grishin Denture Specialist, we proudly serve patients in Spokane, Spokane Valley, Cheney, Deer Park, and Liberty Lake—offering expert care and affordable dentures in Spokane designed for comfort, function, and confidence.
If your dentures feel loose, trigger a gag reflex, or shift while chewing, Denturist Michael Grishin—a trusted denturist near me—can assess your current fit and recommend the best solution, whether that’s a reline, adjustment, or a brand-new set of dentures in Spokane. We're here to help you smile with ease again.
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