Document Type : Original Articles

Abstract

Introduction: Some dental procedures stimulate gag reflex. The majority of techniques to reduce the intensity or eliminate this problem have proved ineffective or time-consuming. Pomegranate (Punica granatum) peel contains tannic acid which has anesthetic effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of pomegranate peel extract lozenges in controlling gag reflex during dental procedures. Materials and methods: This study was a randomized double-blind controlled trial with convenient sampling procedure on 84 patients in the Faculty of Dentistry, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. The subjects were equally and randomly divided into two case and control groups. Pomegranate peel extract (80% concentration) and placebo lozenges were provided. Gag reflex was evaluated before and after intervention by stimulation of soft palate and tonsils with a piece of tongue depressor. Data was analyzed and compared with SPSS 11 software using chi-squared and McNemar’s tests (α=0.05). Results: Gag reflex significantly decreased in the case group in soft palate region (88.5%) (p value < 0.001) and tonsils (92.5%) (p value < 0.001). In the placebo group gag reflex decrease was not significant in the soft palate and tonsil areas (p value = 0.9).  Gag reflex decreases exhibited statistically significant differences between the case and placebo groups (p value < 0.01). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that indicate pomegranate peel extract is effective in controlling gag reflex during dental treatment; however, more extensive clinical studies are necessary on the subject.   Key words: Clinical dentistry, Extract, Gag reflex, Lozenge, Pomegranate.