Document Type : Original Articles

Abstract

Introduction: Different dental procedures such as impression taking and radiography techniques result in gag reflex which is one of the most common challenges for dentists and a source of dissatisfaction for patients. Therefore it is necessary to solve such a problem. Studies to decrease the severity of this reflex have been ineffective, time-consuming or invasive so far. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of tannic acid patch on reducing gag reflex.Materials & Methods: In this double-blind randomized clinical trial, 88 dental students were selected from dental students of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences using simple sampling technique. Gag reflex intensity was evaluated by a tongue depressor and recorded. In each gag reflex intensity, the subjects were randomly divided into two groups; 44 subjects received mucoadhesive patch A and 44 received mucoadhesive patch B. Then the subjects placed the patches on their hard palate and after 20 minutes, their gag reflex intensity was evaluated again and recorded. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney U tests (α=0.05).Results: Wilcoxon test showed significant differences in gag reflex intensity before and after using tannic acid mucoadhesive patch (p value < 0.001). The mean decreases in the severity of gag reflex in the tannic acid and control groups were -1.23±0.47 and -0.11±0.32, respectively. Mann-Whitney test revealed a significant relationship between the mean decrease in gag reflex intensity and the group (p value = 0.001).Conclusion: Tannic acid patch is effective in reducing the intensity of gag reflex.Key words: Gagging, Palatine tonsils, Soft palate.