Orion Innovations, a leading provider of patient safety technology, has unveiled the results of a clinical study conducted at West Coast University’s Dental Hygiene School. The study assessed the efficacy of NoGag, a patented consumable powder composed of salt and citric acid, in reducing patients’ gag reflex. Findings demonstrated that NoGag significantly decreased exaggerated pharyngeal gag reflexes by an average of 70% compared to the control group, with no significant difference in effectiveness between the 10-second and one-hour post-application measurements.
Rodney Schutt, President and CEO of Orion Innovations, highlighted the significance of these findings, stating, “This research further validates NoGag’s ability to address one of the most frustrating challenges in dentistry. The gag reflex disrupts procedures, affects patient comfort, and can impact a dental practice’s efficiency. NoGag presents a simple yet effective solution, improving the patient experience and allowing dental professionals to optimize their schedules while increasing referrals and treatment success rates.”
The study aimed to evaluate NoGag’s impact on patients with self-reported exaggerated gag reflexes, a common issue in dental procedures that can lead to treatment delays, discomfort, and procedural failures. Researchers enrolled 10 participants, assessing their baseline gag reflex before administering NoGag to some patients while leaving others untreated. The gag response was measured at five specific oral touchpoints.
Results confirmed a 70% reduction in gag reflex among those treated with NoGag, with its effects lasting at least one hour. Dr. Annette Stelter, EdD, RDH, Associate Professor at West Coast University, emphasized the practical implications: “With these remarkable results, we have successfully integrated NoGag into our clinical practice. Patients who previously struggled with gagging can now tolerate procedures more comfortably, allowing clinicians to efficiently capture diagnostic images and enhance overall treatment outcomes.”
Gag reflex sensitivity affects a substantial number of dental patients, with studies showing that 8% of individuals experience gagging at every dental visit, while 50% gag at least once. In the U.S. alone, an estimated 26,000 individuals suffer from severe gag reflexes that hinder basic oral hygiene and dental visits. This challenge contributes to delays in treatment, increased healthcare costs, and worsening oral health conditions. Furthermore, dental anxiety affects three out of four adults, often leading to avoidance of routine care until dental issues become severe. Poor oral health has been strongly linked to broader health concerns, particularly in aging populations.
NoGag was developed by Dr. Robert Olson, DDS, a seasoned dental professional with over 30 years of experience, to address these challenges. Currently utilized in over 3,000 dental practices, NoGag has proven to enhance both patient comfort and clinic efficiency by reducing procedural disruptions and patient attrition. Its widespread adoption has also demonstrated financial benefits, with one practitioner reporting an additional $9,900 in revenue from a previously untreatable patient.
Manufactured in the U.S. and available in 16 major markets across North America and Europe, NoGag is rapidly expanding into the Middle East and Southeast Asia, offering a transformative solution to a longstanding dental challenge.
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