A strong gag reflex can make routine dental care feel like something to dread. For anyone in Burrows Central who has put off a cleaning because of it, here is how to raise the subject.
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Gagging is a reflex, not a failing, and it is one of the things our clinic specifically asks you to mention. Knowing about it ahead of time lets the team adjust how they work and agree with you on a way to stop for a moment.
Burrows Central is an area in Winnipeg, and check-ups for its residents take place at our McPhillips Street location. The visit covers the same ground as anyone else’s: an exam, a cleaning if appropriate, and advice you can use at home.
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A quick mention before the visit starts means nobody is caught off guard partway through.
Decide on a signal in advance, so you are not trying to speak with instruments in your mouth.
Describing what has set it off before gives the team useful information about what to approach carefully.
Part of the dread comes from not knowing what is about to go where. Here is what each half of the appointment is there to do.
A dentist looks over your whole mouth and explains what is healthy, what is worth watching, and what could need care.
A hygienist generally does this part, removing what brushing leaves behind and paying attention to how you are managing.
Your needs may mean more hygiene time or a separate appointment. It is sensible to ask whether splitting things up is an option for you.
Specifics depend on your oral health and the time since your last appointment. You can have each stage described to you before it begins.
Request your visitAs your history and medications are reviewed, explain what tends to trigger your gagging and anything that has helped in the past.
Agree on how you will show you need a moment. Having that in place before the chair goes back can be a real relief.
Teeth, gums, bite, and soft tissues are examined next. If X-rays are advised, this is a good time to ask how they are taken.
Tartar and plaque are removed, and polishing may follow. Afterward, you go over the findings and when you should come back.
You know your own reflex better than anyone. If you have noticed particular triggers, such as an instrument near the back of your mouth or lying very far back, having those in mind makes the conversation easier.
When you ask for an appointment, you could also find out whether the length of your visit can take breaks into account.
An operatory with a turquoise chair and wood-front cabinets.
Having a strong reflex doesn’t mean you are a difficult patient. What you tell the team is exactly the information they need to adapt how the appointment runs.
Hearing about each step beforehand means fewer surprises when something moves toward the back of your mouth.
Your agreed sign is there for you to use, and using it more than once is completely fine.
A reflex and nervousness can go hand in hand, so share what makes dental visits hard for you.
So the next one is easier
Once you know what worked, returning can feel less daunting. Use the end of your visit to take stock of how it went, as well as what was found.
Tell your team which adjustments helped and which didn’t, so that information can be part of your next appointment.
If the rear of your mouth is hard to reach comfortably, ask for guidance specific to those areas.
Find out when you should be seen again and whether your exam and cleaning are due at the same time.
A new pain, swelling, or a broken tooth is a reason to telephone rather than wait for your return date.
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Winnipeg North Dental
Unit-5 2358 Mcphillips Street, Winnipeg, MB R2V 4J6Get directions (opens in a new tab)You would come to Winnipeg North Dental at Unit 5, 2358 McPhillips Street, Winnipeg, for your check-up and cleaning. Use the directions link to see the way.
If talking it through feels easier than typing it out, call. Otherwise, the form is fine, and someone will reply about timing, because a request alone doesn’t hold a spot.
Questions about coverage?
Talk with our team before your visit or learn about CDCP.
Helpful details about check-ups & cleanings in Burrows Central.
Ask our teamIt is something the clinic wants to know, not something that would stop you from being seen. Telling your team allows them to adjust their approach and agree on a pause signal with you.
Early is ideal, either when you request your visit or as your history is being reviewed. Even if you forget, you can bring it up at any point once you are in the chair.
Use your signal so everyone can stop for a moment. It helps to let your hygienist know what set it off, so the approach can be modified for the rest of the appointment.
They can be a concern for some people, so ask about it. X-rays are not needed at each visit, and your dentist can explain whether any are advised this time and what is involved.
Some patients have everything done at once, while others benefit from extra hygiene time. Ask whether your care could be arranged in a way that suits you, based on your assessment.
Those rear teeth still need cleaning, so ask for help instead of skipping them. Your hygienist can offer advice on areas you find difficult to reach.
Use the form here or call (204) 338-3003, and feel free to mention your reflex at that point. Appointments are held at Unit 5, 2358 McPhillips Street, Winnipeg, MB R2V 4J6, once confirmed.
Your assessment might point to something further. These general pages explain what is involved, and you can raise your gag reflex for any treatment you discuss.
Explore general dentistry in Winnipeg for check-ups, cleanings, fillings, root canals, extractions, emergencies and children’s dental care.
Explore serviceRestore cavities, chips and worn areas with tooth-coloured dental fillings in Winnipeg. Learn when repair is needed and what happens during treatment.
Explore serviceLearn how scaling and root planing in Winnipeg removes buildup below the gumline, smooths root surfaces and supports healing from gum disease.
Explore serviceHave an urgent concern? Call (204) 338-3003 to discuss availability.
No need to apologize
From Burrows Central and ready to try again? Ask for a check-up and cleaning on McPhillips Street, and tell us what you would like us to know about it.
Patient testimonials
Winnipeg North Dental
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