title: Acupuncture - An effective tool in the management of gag reflex.
abstract: Gagging is of great concern to the dentist as it is a serious impediment during the execution of various dental procedures. The etiology of gagging is multifactorial, and several suggestions have been offered to arrest this reflex, some of which are nonsustainable and does not show the immediate result. Acupuncture has been successfully employed as an adjunct to local anesthesia in dental extractions, pain management and also in the symptomatic management of temporomandibular joint disorders. The author highlights the application of acupuncture in the management of patients with gag reflex during dental procedures and its benefits are reported.
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthodontics, Thai Moogambigai Dental College and Hospital, Dr. M. G. R University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors.forename: M Vijay
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Anand
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthodontics, Thai Moogambigai Dental College and Hospital, Dr. M. G. R University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors.forename: Rathika
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Rai
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthodontics, Thai Moogambigai Dental College and Hospital, Dr. M. G. R University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors.forename: Nirmal F
authors.initials: NF
authors.lastname: Bettie
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthodontics, Thai Moogambigai Dental College and Hospital, Dr. M. G. R University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors.forename: Hari
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ramachandiran
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthodontics, Thai Moogambigai Dental College and Hospital, Dr. M. G. R University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors.lastname: Solomon
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthodontics, Thai Moogambigai Dental College and Hospital, Dr. M. G. R University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors.forename: Subramaniyam
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Praveena
keywords: Acupuncture; alternative medicine; gag reflex; gagging