Effect of Diospyros kaki L. fruit extract on gag reflex

Abstract

Background & Aim:<em> </em>A gag reflex (GR) can be a problem to compliance and delivery of dental treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of <em>Diospyros kaki </em>L. fruit extract in controlling gag reflex during dental treatment. <em></em> Experimental: Our study was a randomized double blind controlled trial with convenient sampling on 84 patients that is candidate for radiographic procedures in Dental School, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. Randomization procedure entered in each group of intervention with <em>Diospyros kaki </em>L. extracts or placebo. Before and after intervention gag reflex was categorized in 4 score (0 to 3) and evaluated. Data analysis and comparing performed with SPSS software and<em> Chi</em>-square and<em> </em>McNamara tests. Results & Discussion: Gag reflex in soft palate region & tensile was found on all patients. After intervention the decrease on gag reflex was recorded 97.6 and 100 percent for case and 19.4 and 16.6 percent for control group on soft palate region and tensile respectively. Statistical significant decreased between intervention (case) & placebo groups<em> </em>(<em>p</em>Industrial and practical recommendations: Our results indicate that consumption of <em>Diospyros kaki </em>L<em>. </em>extracts are seems to be an effective method of controlling gag reflex during dental treatment. It can be a confidence method to use on dental procedures especially radiographic.