Bryanna thank you for taking the time to reply with all your info, especially the link of gagging in the dental chair. It was great to read that there actually are dentists out there who are willing to work with the patient and help them. I'll have to pass that along to some of my friends who are "gaggers."

Re my dental phobia. I have always had dental phobia and as a teen stayed away as much as my parents let me. I grew up without floridated water and as a child had lots of work done and lots of big fillings, most of it without novacaine. Then in my early 20's I realized the best thing I can do is get there regularly and get problems taken care while they are small. Thus I began 6 month schedule that I never strayed from until recetly (and valium has helped). A good part of my dental phobia revolves around that of lying flat back with my head lower than my feet and having water dribble down my throat and the fear of gagging (I have terrible emetophobia). My mouth is tiny I'm told over and over and I have a terrible time with impressions and the newer digital xrays.

My recent problem with the dentist however, while still that of a fear of gagging is entirely different. The above gagging is from specific large things being stuck in my mouth, such as an impression, or a big digital xray. That I am still afraid of but now I have the additional problem of having this unnamed neuro disorder which causes a feeling of gagging from my esophagus to throat. This happens spontaneously over and over all day long and has nothing at all to do with dental impressions. When it happens I need to stand up straight, thump on my chest a little (kind of like burping a baby) and it ends with a hiccup, which can be loud, all the while feeling llike I will gag. Do you see why this can be difficult in a dental chair? This whole problem whatever it is, has been so distubing and disrupting to my entire life.

So I really have a two fold problem, the initial dental phobia which I have always had and this newer problem which makes the initial one that much worse.

So, that's my story . . . . . I did make an appt today and am seeing the dentist next week. I am not happy with this dentist. About 3 years ago I switched to one that was superb, the best dentist I have ever been to in so many ways, and he could even work with me in a semi upright position which was a big plus. But then he left to bigger and better places so now I am seeing his partner who is nowhere near as good.

I get my sodium and other electrolytes checked every 6 months and they are always fine, never a problem, sodium is right there in the middle of the range. So I think I'm okay with my low sodium diet. My vertigo started before the low sodium so I don't think that is what is causing it.