Does the process of putting you dentures back into mouth send you gag reflex into debilitating spasm? Or perhaps it really only takes the simple act of brushing your teeth, as with some unfortunate individuals! Do you wish you could overcome your gag reflex?

This over-sensitive gag reflex is known scientifically as Pharyngeal Reflex, and it affects a surprising number of us. It's triggered when an area at the back of the throat known as the soft palate is disturbed.

In it natural state, it is a biological defense against choking. It can, however, cause severe problems if it becomes hypersensitive. If you're a sufferer, you'll be very pleased to hear, though, that is plenty you can do to alleviate the problem.

Instinct may be to breath your mouth If it already open, but try to continue breathing through your nose whilst the gag-inducing activity goes on. Try also to tense your abdominal muscles a little. This can easily be done by trying to raise your legs, even very slightly.

Try to avoid early morning appointments at the dentist as well. The reflexive gagging instinct lessens gradually as the day wears on. You might not savour the taste but also have a go at putting a little bit of salt on your tongue. This has proved itself to be surprisingly effective, but I couldn't begin to hazard a guess as to why!

At the centre of any strategy to get over your gag reflex should be an attempt to desensitize the problem area of your soft palate. This is surprisingly easy to achieve and, though, not particularly pleasant to do, the results are permanent. It really shouldn't take more than a month to achieve so try t stay the course.

To completely get over your gag reflex, you'll be please to hear that all you need is your standard toothbrush. Every time you brush your teeth, finish by brushing our tongue. This should be done in very slow, circular movements, and you should try to go a little further back every day or so. As the month progresses, you should become aware that the point at which the gag reflex is triggered moves further and further backwards.