Ask the expert: brushing makes me nauseous

I am a 51-year-old male, and for the past six years have been experiencing a gagging sensation whenever I brush my teeth. One doctor suggested getting a dental cleaning done, but that has not helped. What could cause this, and is there a cure?

There are many reasons for experiencing a feeling of nausea while brushing. The most common reason is the gag reflex. This is the body’s protective mechanism to prevent unwanted materials from entering your throat. In some people, the gag reflex is heightened.

If your brushing pattern is wrong, and if you brush very hard and are pushing the brush towards the throat or to the back of the tongue, the gag reflex gets triggered.

Not keeping your tongue clean can also cause nausea. Instead of brushing your tongue, use a tongue cleaner.

Avoid medicated toothpastes as in some cases, they, too, can trigger nausea.

Indigestion, heartburn and acid reflux could also trigger sensations of nausea.

If your symptoms do not subside, please visit a dentist to learn proper brushing techniques and a gastroenterologist to rule out digestive issues.