Effectiveness of Acupressure and Distraction technique in children with gag reflex a prospective clinical study

The gag reflex is a defensive and physiological system that protects the pharynx, larynx, and trachea from invading noxious stimuli or foreign objects. Gagging may be caused by either somatic or psychological factors. Somatic gagging can occur due to the stimulation of the trigger zones around the oropharynx and psychogenic gagging can occur due to any thought, smell, sound, or sight. A hyperactive gag reflex can make dental treatments difficult such as a simple examination, or even difficult procedures such as impressions leaving the patient unwilling to accept complex clinical procedures especially in children .So the aim of the study is to compare the effectiveness of acupressure technique on acupoint LI4 and distraction technique to reduce gag reflex.