Encyclopedia of Health and Medicine

G
gag reflex A rapid and intense contraction of the
pharyngeal muscles to expel material before it
enters the THROAT. Touching the back of the soft
palate activates the gag REFLEX in most people,
causing a retching action. The gag reflex is more
sensitive in some people, interfering with health
examinations of the throat or dental examinations
and treatment. HYPNOSIS and BIOFEEDBACK are two
methods by which people can learn to delay or
minimize the gag reflex. Health conditions that
can activate the gag reflex include severe PHARYN-
GITIS, EPIGLOTTITIS, and profuse POSTNASAL DRIP.
Sprays to anesthetize the throat, such as to treat
relieve sore throat PAIN or for ENDOSCOPY procedures,
temporarily numb the nerves in the soft
palate to subdue the gag reflex. A reduced or
absent gag reflex, which can result in potentially
life-threatening ASPIRATION, may occur with STROKE
and neurologic disorders such as CEREBRAL PALSY
and PARKINSON’S DISEASE.
See also SWALLOWING DISORDERS.
gingivitis INFLAMMATION of the gum tissue around
the TEETH. Most gingivitis is an early form of PERI-
ODONTAL DISEASE. Signs of gingivitis include painless
bleeding (spontaneous or with brushing) and
swollen gums that may be bright red or shiny.
Some people develop painless sores or ulcerations
on the gums that indicate INFECTION. Though people
may seek medical care because of the bleeding,
dentists and periodontists provide dental-based
care for gingivitis. People who have DIABETES, people
who smoke cigarettes, or use smokeless
tobacco, and women who are pregnant have
increased susceptibility for gingivitis.
See also CANKER SORE; DENTAL CARIES; ORAL
HYGIENE; SMOKING AND HEALTH.
glossitis An INFLAMMATION of the tongue that is
typically the result of irritation, viral or bacterial
INFECTION, vitamin B deficiency, or ANEMIA. Glossitis
may also develop as an opportunistic condition in
people who have IMMUNE SYSTEM disorders.
A rare though potentially life-threatening
complication of glossitis is swelling
that causes the tongue to block the airway.
This requires emergency medical
attention.
In glossitis, the tongue often hurts, has a characteristic
“beefy” appearance, and has a surface that is
deep red and smooth. Swallowing and speaking
may be difficult. Most glossitis responds to corticosteroid
mouthrinses to reduce the inflammation.
Mouthrinses with diphenhydramine may also
bring relief. A bacterial infection requires treatment
with ANTIBIOTIC MEDICATIONS; a yeast infection
requires treatment with ANTIFUNGAL MEDICATIONS.
Dietary changes or nutritional supplements are
necessary when vitamin B or iron deficiency is the
cause. Appropriate treatment typically resolves the
symptoms, and the tongue returns to normal.
See also BACTERIA; HALITOSIS; ORAL HYGIENE.
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