Hello,

I am hoping that someone can offer advice/support for my mom. She underwent oral/neck surgery last month and has an obturator.

The obturator has been giving her issues since last week when her prosthodontist readjusted it. She experiences a tremendous gag reflex when she tries to put the obturator in.
She has left the obturator out for 2 days now and has been able to eat small amounts of food using the side of her mouth that was not affected by the surgery.

I'm wondering if anyone has any tips on how my mom might get past this gag reflex or if there are any techniques to inserting the obturator?? Her prosthodontist offered her some type of numbing gel or spray for her mouth to decrease sensation and make it easier for her to insert the obturator, but this hasn't seemed to work. Her doctors have also told her that putting the obturator in her mouth is a "mind-over-matter" issue and she just needs to get past it.

Please, if anyone has any suggestions I would greatly appreciate them.

Thank you.