Why Your Insides Feel Weird and Seem Like Throwing Up When You Clean Your Tongue

When you clean your tongue and feel an uncomfortable, almost nauseous sensation, it could be due to your gag reflex. This natural physiological response is your body's way of protecting you from choking or swallowing objects that shouldn't be in your throat. Let's dive deeper into what the gag reflex is, how it works, and why cleaning your tongue can sometimes trigger it.

The Gag Reflex Explained

The gag reflex is an automatic and involuntary response that helps protect the throat from potential hazards. It originates from a nerve called the pharyngeal branch of the glossopharyngeal nerve (cranial nerve IX), which perceives stimulation and sends signals to muscles in the back of the throat to contract, creating the gag.

The intensity of the gag reflex can vary from person to person. Some individuals may experience it more strongly due to heightened sensitivity or genetic predisposition. Others might not even notice it at all. This variability can be influenced by factors such as age, health conditions, and personal history of respiratory issues.

Why Does Cleaning Your Tongue Trigger the Gag Reflex?

During tongue cleaning, you often stimulate the soft palate and the back of the tongue, which are sensitive areas for the gag reflex. When these areas are brushed or scraped, your body's protective mechanism kicks in, leading to the sensation that your insides are feeling weird or even like throwing up. However, it is generally not a serious issue.

The scientific name for this reflex is the pharyngeal reflex. It is a contraction of the back of the throat in response to touching various areas in the oral cavity, including the roof of the mouth, the back of the tongue, and the area around the tonsils. This reflex is crucial for preventing choking by ensuring that objects in the mouth do not enter the throat without the intention of swallowing.

Understanding the Pharyngeal Reflex

The pharyngeal reflex is part of a broader group of aerodigestive reflexes, which also include reflexive pharyngeal swallowing and the laryngeal cough reflex. These reflexes work together to safeguard the throat and prevent choking. The pharyngeal reflex is especially important in protecting the airways from foreign objects, ensuring that only food and liquid intended for swallowing are allowed to pass into the throat.

The sensitivity of the gag reflex can vary among individuals. Some people may experience it when their tonsils or the back of their throat are touched, while others might not even notice it. This variability highlights the complexity of the reflex and its multiple triggers.

Managing and Desensitizing to the Gag Reflex

If the gag reflex is making tongue cleaning uncomfortable, here are a few tips to help manage and potentially desensitize yourself to it:

Use a Gentle Technique: When cleaning your tongue, use a soft-bristled toothbrush or a tongue scraper. Apply gentle pressure to avoid excessive stimulation. Gradual Desensitization: If the sensation is too strong, try cleaning your tongue in smaller sections, starting from the more sensitive areas (like the middle of your tongue) and slowly working your way towards the back. Distraction: While cleaning, distract yourself by focusing on a task or a book. This can help reduce the intensity of the reflex. Professional Help: If the reflex is causing significant discomfort, consider seeing a healthcare provider or a hygienist for professional guidance.

Conclusion

Feeling unwell or nauseous when cleaning your tongue is a common occurrence that can be attributed to the gag reflex. While it is a natural physiological response designed to protect you, it can be managed with patience and the right techniques. Understanding the pharyngeal reflex and recognizing its various triggers can help you approach tongue cleaning with greater ease and confidence.

For more information on the gag reflex and related topics, you can visit Google or Pharyngeal Reflex. These resources can provide additional insights into this fascinating and important bodily function.