Desensitization of the gag reflex in an adult with cerebral palsy: a case report.

Severe oral hypersensitivity and aversive oral behaviors present a significant barrier to dental treatment and compromise oral health status. Although several authors have addressed the reduction of oral hypersensitivity and aversive behaviors (such as gagging, retching, and vomiting) in the otherwise well dental patient, treatment for patients with severe disability has not been explored. The successful management of oral hypersensitivity and aversive behavior can have significant health benefits. These can be described via an outcomes paradigm as physical and social benefits for the patient, psychological benefits for the patient, carer, and practitioner, and organizational benefits for the institutions providing dental care and medical management. This paper summarizes the management of a severely disabled patient whose aversive behaviors were eliminated with non-invasive therapy techniques. Oral hygiene was facilitated and health benefits were identified across a number of domains following successful multi-disciplinary management.